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PORTIONS 


PSALMS  OF   DAVID, 

AND   OTHER 

PARTS    OF   SCRIPTURE, 
IN  VERSE. 

Designed  as 

A  Companion  for  the  Christian. 


BY  J.  RUSLING, 

Author  of  "  Devotional  Exercises,-'  and  "  Sunday-School  Hymns." 


SECOND  EDITION. 


PHILADELPHIA : 
SOLD    BY   THE    PUBLISHER, 

No.  197,  NORTH  FOURTH  STREET. 


1838. 


Entered  according  to  the  act  of  Congress,  in  the 
year  1838,  by  Joseph  Rusling,  in  the  clerk's  office 
of  the  district  court  of  the  eastern  district  of  Penn- 
sylvania. 


Stereotyped  by  J.  Fagan. 
Printed  by  J.  Vancourt. 


PREFACE. 


The  author  of  the  present  work  very 
freely  acknowledges  his  incapacity  to 
improve  upon  the  sweet  singers  of  Israel : 
but  being  requested  by  several  of  his 
friends,  he  has  attempted  to  place  a  por- 
tion of  the  Psalms  and  other  parts  of 
Scripture  in  plain  and  unpretending  verse. 
He  is  aware  that  many  imperfections  will 
appear  to  the  critical  eye,  but  his  design 
has  been  to  do  good  among  well-disposed 
people,  and  he  most  earnestly  wishes  hig 
work  may  prove  a  useful  and  pleasant 
companion  to  the  Christian.  It  is  with 
great  reluctance  he  appears  before  the 
public,  and  his  present  situation  alone 
induces  the  measure.  Therefore  he  so- 
licits the  good  will  and  patronage  of  his 
friends,  and  the  community  in  general. 

J.    RUSLING. 

Philadelphia, 
March  4, 1838. 

5 


^ 


»R£C.  M, 

CONTENTS 


Page 

Psalm    1 9 

2. 10 

3 11 

4 12 

5 13 

6 15 

7 16 

8. 18 

9. 19 

11 21 

12 22 

13 23 

14 24 

15 25 

16 26 

17 27 

19 29 

20 31 

21 32 

23 33 

24 34 

25. 35 

26.  38 

27 39 

28 41 

29. 43 

30 44 

31. 45 

32 48 

33 50 

34 52 


Page 

Psalm  35.  . . . 54 

37. 57 

38. 61 

39. 64 

40 65 

42 68 

43. 70 

46. 71 

47. 73 

48. 74 

51.  ........     75 

54. 77 

55. 78 

61 81 

62 82 

65. 84 

66. 86 

67. 88 

70 89 

73 90 

80 92 

84. 94 

85 96 

86 97 

88 98 

90. 109 

91 102 

95 104 

96 105 

98 106 

100. 108 

(7) 


Vlll 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

Psalm  102 108 

103 Ill 

105 113 

106 117 

107 122 

110 129 

111 123 

112.  127 

113 130 

115 131 

116 132 

120 134 

121 135 

122 136 

124 137 

125 138 

126 139 

128 139 

129. 140 

130 141 

132 142 

133 144 

135 144 

136 146 

137 148 

•  -  194 
■  •  196 

•  -  197 

•  -  199 
-  -  205 

Hymn  .......  206 

Marriage  of  Cana  in  Galilee  209 
Breaking  of  five  Loaves  and 

two  Fishes  -    •    ...  210 

Bethesda-'s  Pool    ....  211 

The  Woman  of  Samaria   •  216 

The  Disciples  on  the  Sea  -  219 

The  Legion 220 


Page 

Psalm  138 149 

139 150 

341 153 

142 154 

143 155 

144 157 

145 159 

146 161 

147 162 

148 164 

149 165 

150. 166 

Isaiah,  chapter  11. .  169 
25..  170 
35..  172 
40..  174 

52.  .  176 

53.  .  178 
54..  181 
55..  183 

„   58..  187 

60..  190 

61..  191 

62..  102 


The  Transfiguration"    -    -  222 

The  Wedding  Supper   •    .  224 

The  Prodigal 227 

Resurrection  of  Lazarus     -  230 

The  Ten  Virgins  -    -    -    -  234 

The  Servants 235 

Soliloquy  to  the  Soul      -    -  237 
Earthly  Bliss  not  compared 

to  Heaven 239 

On  Death 240 

Spiritual  Visitations  -    -    -  243 

Bible  Christianity     -    ■    •  243 


&PERTY   Of 

MAR  1B82 
PSALMS  OF  DAVID. 


Happy  the  man  who  shuns  with  care 
The  counsel  evil  men  prepare  ; 
Nor  stands  where  sinners  love  to  meet, 
Nor  sits  within  the  scorner's  seat ; 
The  law  of  God  is  his  delight, 
And  meditation  day  and  night. 

He  like  a  fruitful  tree  shall  grow, 
Where  streams  of  living  waters  flow ; 
His  boughs  luxuriantly  shall  bear 
Their  fruit  in  season,  year  by  year; 
No  withering  change  his  leaf  displays, 
And  God  doth  prosper  all  his  ways. 

The  wicked  are,  compared  to  these. 
Like  chaff  that 's  driven  by  the  breeze ; 
They  shall  not  stand  in  judgment,  where 
The  assemblies  of  the  righteous  are. 
The  good  man's  way  the  Lord  doth  know, 
The  way  of  sinners  leads  to  woe. 

9 


10 


PSALMS   OF    DAVID. 

SECOND  PSALM. 

Why  do  the  heathen  rage, 

And  meditate  vain  things  ? 
And  wicked  men  engage 

With  rulers  and  their  kings; 
And  counsel  take  in  thought  and  word, 
Against  the  anointed  and  his  Lord  ? 

And  these  are  heard  to  say, 

"  Come,  let  us  break  their  bands, 
And  cast  their  cords  away, 

Nor  wear  them  on  our  hands." 
The  Lord,  who  sitteth  in  the  skies, 

Will  all  their  vile  attempts  despise 
Then  God  to  them  will  speak, 

And  all  his  wrath  disclose  ; 
And  in  displeasure  break, 

And  sorely  vex  his  foes  : 
But  Zion's  holy  hill  may  sing, 
For  there  the  Lord  will  seafhis  king. 
The  great  and  Holy  One 

Hath  made  a  firm  decree ; 
And  said,  "  Thou  art  my  son, 

Begotten  now  by  me  : 
Ask,  and  the  heathen  I  will  give, 
And  all  earth's  bounds  thou  shall  receive.' 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  11 

But  when  the  eternal  God 

Shall  his  great  power  display, 
Then  with  an  iron  rod 

He  sweeps  his  foes  away: 
Like  as  a  potter's  vessel,  thou 
Shalt  dash  to  pieces  every  foe. 

Judges  and  kings,  be  wise, 
And  serve  the  Lord  with  fear ; 

And  ere  his  anger  rise, 
Your  praise  with  trembling  bear  : 

Kiss  ye  the  well  beloved  Son, 

Be  blest,  and  trust  in  him  alone. 


THIRD  PSALM. 

Lord,  how  are  they  increased  abroad; 

(My  troubles  like  the  billows  roll,) 
Who  say  there  is  no  help  in  God, 

And  thus  perplex  my  troubled  soul. 

But  thou  art,  Lord,  my  strength  and  shield, 

My  glory  and  supporter  still ; 
I  cried,  thy  love  thou  didst  reveal, 

And  heard  me  from  thy  holy  hill. 
I  laid  me  down,  and  slept,  and  rose, 

Sustain'd  and  kept  by  thy  control; 
Nor  will  I  fear  ten  thousand  foes, 

That  set  themselves  against  my  soul. 


12  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  my  succour  be, 
Smite  all  who  do  my  soul  oppress ; 

Salvation,  Lord,  belongs  to  thee, 
And  thou  wilt  all  thy  people  bless. 


FOURTH  PSALM. 

Hear  me,  O  God  of  righteousness, 
Thou  hast  enlarged  me  in  distress  ; 
Have  mercy,  and  regard  my  prayer, 
And  all  my  supplications  hear. 

How  long  will  wicked  men  disclaim, 
And  turn  my  glory  into  shame  ? 
How  long  will  they  love  vanity, 
And,  seeking  lies,  deluded  be  ? 

God  for  himself  hath  set  apart 
The  man  of  godly  life  and  heart ; 
And  he  whose  love  is  free  for  all, 
Will  kindly  hear  me  when  I  call. 

Stand  ye  in  awe !  be  pure  from  sin, 
Commune  with  your  own  heart  within 
Be  still,  and  perfect  peace  possess, 
The  calm  serene  of  holiness. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  13 

Your  offerings  bring,  your  Maker  bless, 
With  sacrifice  of  righteousness ; 
And  put  your  trust  in  God  alone, 
Whose  word  is  changeless  as  his  throne. 
How  many  have  reviling  stood, 
Saying,  "  Who  now  can  show  us  good  ?" 
Oh  rise,  thou  brightest  Orb  of  day, 
Thy  noontide  countenance  display. 
With  gladness,  Lord,  inspire  my  heart, 
Far  more  than  corn  and  wine  impart ; 
My  eyes  in  peaceful  slumbers  close, 
And  give  me  safe  and  calm  repose. 


FIFTH  PSALM. 
O  Lord,  unto  my  words  give  ear, 
And  with  my  meditations  bear ; 
My  King,  my  God,  that  rules  on  high, 
O  hearken  to  my  feeble  cry. 

Soon  as  the  morning  shall  appear, 
My  voice  shall  rise  to  thee  in  prayer ; 
In  sin  no  pleasure  thou  can'st  see, 
Neither  shall  evil  dwell  with  thee. 
The  foolish  stand  not  in  thy  sight, 
Nor  are  the  wicked  thy  delight ; 
Those  thou  wilt  slay  who  seek  for  lies, 
The  false  and  bloody  man  despise. 


14  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

But  I  will  in  thy  courts  attend, 
And  in  thy  holy  temple  bend  ; 
Thy  mercies  shall  conduct  me  there, 
To  worship  in  thy  sacred  fear. 

Lead  me,  O  Lord,  in  righteousness, 
And  all  my  enemies  suppress ; 
Make  straight  my  way  before  my  face 
Illume  it  from  the  throne  of  grace. 

No  faithfulness  can  there  be  found 
Where  men  of  wickedness  abound ; 
Their  inward  parts  corrupt  become, 
Their  throat  is  like  an  open  tomb. 

Those  who  on  God  refuse  to  call, 
Let  them  by  their  own  counsels  fall ; 
Cast  them  'midst  their  iniquity, 
For  they  are  rebels,  Lord,  to  thee. 

Let  all  who  trust  in  God  rejoice, 
And  praise  thee  with  a  cheerful  voice ; 
For  thou  shalt  be  their  strong  defence, 
Their  succour  and  their  recompense. 

Let  them  who  also  love  thy  name, 
Be  joyful  with  an  heavenly  flame ; 
In  favours  may  they  all  abound, 
'Compass'd  as  with  a  shield  around. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.     -  15 

SIXTH  PSALM. 

Rebuke  me  not  in  anger,  Lord, 
Nor  in  displeasure  use  thy  rod ; 

For  I  am  weak  in  thought  and  word, 
In  mercy  heal  me,  O  my  God  ! 

My  soul  is  sorely  vex'd  within, 

Return,  O  Lord,  my  bondage  break ; 
Deliver  thou  my  soul  from  sin, 

0  save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake. 

Is  there  remembrance,  Lord,  of  thee 
In  death,  or  thanks  beneath  the  ground  ? 

There  dust,  and  only  dust,  are  we, 
'Midst  deep  unbroken  silence  round. 

Weary  with  groanings  now  I  lie, 

1  wet  my  bed  and  couch  with  tears ; 
While  age  and  grief  consume  mine  eye, 

Mine  enemies  prolong  my  fears. 

Bid  evil  workers  all  depart, 
My  weeping  voice  in  mercy  hear ; 

Regard  my  supplicating  heart, 
And  O,  wilt  thou  receive  my  prayer? 

Clothe  all  mine  enemies  with  shame, 
The  pains  of  sore  repentance  give ; 

Let  them  return,  and  in  thy  name, 
Immediate  humbleness  receive. 


16  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

SEVENTH  PSALM. 

O  Lord,  I  put  my  trust  in  thee, 
From  persecutors  set  me  free ; 
Lest  as  a  lion  they  shall  tear, 
When  no  deliverer  shall  appear. 

Ix>rd,  if  indeed  I  have  done  this, 
And  secret  crime  with  me  there  is ; 
If  I  rewarded  him  unkind, 
Who  show'd  to  me  a  peaceful  mind  :— 

Then  let  their  wrath  like  billows  roll, 
And  let  them  persecute  my  soul, 
And  tread  me  down  as  one  unjust, 
And  lay  mine  honour  in  the  dust 

Arise,  O  Lord,  indignant  rise, 
Subdue  my  raging  enemies ; 
Awake  thy  judgment,  Lord,  for  me, 
As  thou  commanded,  let  it  be. 
So  shall  the  people  compass  thee. 
And  congregate  thy  grace  to  see ; 
Then  for  their  sakes  return  on  high, 
Ascend  thy  throne  above  the  sky. 

Judge  thou  all  people,  Lord,  and  bless 
According  to  thy  righteousness ; 
Prostrate  all  crimes  beneath  the  dust, 
But  'stablish  firmly  all  the  just. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  17 

The  righteous  God,  who  truth  maintains, 
Will  try  and  prove  our  hearts  and  reins; 
The  Lord  himself  is  my  defence, 
My  great  reward  and  recompense. 

The  upright  both  in  heart  and  life, 
The  Lord  will  save  from  sin  and  strife; 
Will  judge  the  righteous,  and  display 
To  sin,  his  anger  every  day. 

If  sinners  turn  not  at  his  word, 
He  '11  bend  his  bow,  and  whet  his  sword ; 
His  instruments  of  death  prepare, 
And  no  one  persecutor  spare. 

He  that  increaseth  in  his  sin, 
And  mischief  hath  conceived  within, 
And  brought  forth  falsehood  and  its  train, 
Shall  sink,  no  more  to  rise  again. 

A  gloomy  pit  he  did  prepare, 
And  fell  himself  a  victim  there ; 
His  mischief  and  raisgotten  spoil, 
Shall  all  upon  himself  recoil. 

I'll  praise  the  Lord,  his  name  I  '11  bless, 
According  to  his  righteousness: 
His  holy  name,  the  Lord  Most  High, 
Shall  fill  with  praise  the  earth  and  sky. 
2 


IS  PSALMS   OF   DAVID, 


EIGHTH  PSALM. 


O  Lord,  how  excellent  thy  name, 
To  all  the  earth  its  grace  is  given ; 

Thy  glory,  as  a  radiant  flame, 
Extends  its  beams  o'er  earth  and  heaven. 

Thou  hast  ordain'd  that  strength  and  praise 

Shall  tender  babes  and  sucklings  bring ; 
And  'midst  avenging  foes  shall  raise 

Eternal  honours  to  their  King. 
Lord,  when  I  view  the  heavens  above, 

Those  mighty  orbs  and  works  of  thine ; 
The  moon  and  stars  which  circling  move, 

'Midst  systems  that  revolving  shine  ; 

Ah !  what  is  man,  that  thou,  O  God, 
Should 'st  mindful  of  his  pleasures  be  ? 

The  son  of  man,  whose  mean  abode 
Is  visited  and  loved  by  thee. 

Than  angels  made  a  little  less, 

Thy  noble  creature  man  is  found  j 
And  robed  in  heavenly  righteousness, 

With  high  and  glorious  honours  crown 'd 
He  doth  supreme  dominion  sway, 

O'er  all  in  ocean,  air,  and  land ; 
And  underneath  his  feet  do  lay 

AH  things  awaiting  his  command.- 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  19 

How  excellent  in  all  earth's  bounds 

And  glorious  is  thy  holy  name  ! 
Thy  praise,  in  everlasting  rounds, 

Shall  all  in  earth  and  heaven  proclaim. 


NINTH  PSALM. 

t  'll  praise  the  Lord  with  heart  and  voice, 
And  all  thy  marvellous  works  proclaim, 

O,  thou  Most  High !  I  will  rejoice, 
I  will  be  glad,  and  praise  thy  name. 

When  all  mine  enemies  take  flight, 
They  perish,  Lord,  before  thy  face  ; 

Thou  hast  maintain'd  my  cause  and  right. 
Seated  upon  thy  throne  of  grace. 

Thou  hast  rebuked  the  heathen  world, 
For  ever  blotted  out  their  name ; 

Destruction  o'er  their  cities  hurl'd, 
On  their  memorial,  and  their  fame. 

The  Lord  unchangeable  remains  ; 

For  judgment  has  prepared  his  throne  ? 
The  world  he  judges,  and  sustains 

The  upright  people  as  his  own. 


20  PSALMS   OF    DAVID. 

The  Lord  he  will  a  refuge  be, 
For  all  the  oppress'd,  in  times  of  woe  ; 

And  those  alone  that  trust  in  thee, 
Who  shall  thy  name  regard  and  know. 

Eternal  praises  to  the  Lord 
Let  all  who  dwell  in  Zion  bring ; 

Declare  his  doings  all  abroad, 
His  works  among  the  people  sing. 

When  God  shall  make  his  judgments  known, 
He  will  respect  the  humblest  cry ; 

And  let  thy  mercy,  Lord,  be  shown 
To  those  who  in  death's  passage  lie. 


That  I  may  show  forth  all  thy  praise, 
In  Zion's  gates,  with  cheerful  voice, 

Assist  me,  Lord,  my  songs  to  raise, 
In  thy  salvation  to  rejoicei 

The  heathens,  deep  in  pits  sunk  down, 
Are  bound  in  nets  themselves  have  made ; 

By  holy  judgments  God  is  known, 
In  their  own  snares  are  sinners  laid. 

The  wicked  down  to  hell  are  cast, 
With  nations  that  forget  the  Lord ; 

The  poor,  forgotten,  are  not  past, 
Whose  expectation  is  thy  word. 


PSALMS    OF   DAVID.  21 

Lest  men  prevail,  O  Lord,  arise, 

And  judge  the  heathen  in  thy  sight; 

Put  them  in  fear  who  thee  despise, 
May  nations  know  themselves  aright. 


ELEVENTH  PSALM. 

Lord,  I  will  put  my  trust  in  thee, 
Though  as  a  bird  they  bid  me  flee, 

Into  the  mountain's  height  : 
For  lo !  the  wicked  bend  their  bow, 
Their  arrows  ready  make  to  throw, 

To  shoot  at  the  upright.. 

If  the  foundations  are  destroy'd, 

Where  heaven's  vast  wonders  are  employ'd, 

What  can  the  righteous  do  ? 
The  Lord  doth  yet  his  temple  fill, 
His  throne  is  in  the  heavens  still, 

And  all  his  ways  are  true. 

The  righteous  he  in  goodness  tries, 
But  wickedness  he  doth  despise  ; 

On  sin  his  wrath  shall  pour : 
Brimstone  shall  be,  with  snares  and  fire, 
In  horrid  tempests  full  of  ire, 
Its  portion  evermore. 


22  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  Lord  he  doth  the  righteous  love, 
And  from  the  eternal  courts  above 

His  grace  is  freely  given : 
With  countenance  of  beaming  light, 
He  views  with  pleasure  the  upright, 

And  guides  them  into  heaven. 


TWELFTH  PSALM. 

Help,  Lord,  for  lo !  the  godly  cease, 
The  faithful  fail  all  tribes  among ; 

They  that  speak  vanity  increase 

The  double  heart  and  flattering  tongue. 

The  Lord  shall  cut  those  lips  away, 

The  proudly-speaking  tongues  shall  fail- 

From  those  who  do  so  vainly  say, 
"  With  our  own  tongues  we  will  prevail. 

Now,  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  arise, 
To  aid  the  needy  and  oppress'd  ; 

From  those  who  wantonly  despise, 
In  safety  he  will  give  them  rest. 

Thy  words,  O  Lord,  are  very  pure, 

As  metal  in  the  furnace  tried ; 
The  strongest  ordeal  they  endure, 

As  silver  seven  times  purified 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Those  thou  shalt  keep,  who  firm  abide, 
Beneath  thy  kind  preserving  care  ; 

Though  sinners  walk  on  every  side,, 
And  the  most  vile  exalted  are. 


THIRTEENTH  PSALM. 

How  long  wilt  thou  forget  me,  Lord, 
How  long  thy  presence  hide  from  me; 

How  long  shall  I  consult  thy  word, 
And  yet  my  foes  exalted  be  ? 

Consider  me,  O  Lord,  and  hear, 
Lighten  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  see ; 

Ere  the  dread  sleep  of  death  appear, 
My  last  and  fatal  enemy. 

Let  not  mine  enemies  prevail, 
Nor  those  that  trouble  me,  rejoice? 

If  I  am  moved,  they  will  assail 
My  soul  with  wanton,  railing  voice. 

Thy  mercy,  Lord,  my  trust  has  been, 
My  heart  shall  yet  rejoice  in  thee ; 

Thy  great  salvation  I  have  seen, 
For  thou  hast  kindly  dealt  with  me. 


24  PSALMS  OF   DAVID. 

FOURTEENTH  PSALM. 

The  foolish  in  their  hearts  have  said, 
44  There  is  no  all-creating  God ;" 

And  these  have  by  corruption  made 
The  earth  itself  a  vile  abode. 

The  Lord  look'd  down  from  heaven  above, 
To  see  if  any  sought  his  face ; 

If  they  did  understand  and  love 
His  works,  his  goodness,  and  his  grace. 

But  lo !  aside  they  all  have  gone, 

And  altogether  full  of  sin  ; 
There 's  none  that  doeth  good,  not  one, 

But  all  is  filthiness  within. 
Have  those  who,  in  such  base  employ, 

True  knowledge  of  the  Deity  ? 
Who  do  thy  righteous  ones  destroy, 

And  never  call,  O  Lord,  on  thee  ? 

Their  souls  abound  with  mighty  fear, 

When  God  the  righteous  doth  regard ; 
No  counsel  with  the  poor  they  share, 

Because  the  Lord  is  their  reward. 
From  Zion  may  salvation  come, 

Restore  thy  saints'  captivity  ; 
Let  Jacob  happier  songs  resume, 

And  Israel  shout  triumphantly. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  25 

FIFTEENTH  PSALM. 

Who,  Lord,  shall  in  thy  courts  abide, 

There  to  behold  thy  face  ? 
Or  in  thy  holy  hill  reside, 

That  pure  and  happy  place. 

He  that  uprightly  walks  and  lives, 

And  worketh  righteousness, 
And  in  a  faithful  heart  conceives 

The  truth  his  lips  express. 

Who  doth  not  backbite  with  his  tongue, 

Nor  evil  seeks  to  find  ; 
Nor  taketh  up  reproach,  to  wrong 

Or  pain  his  neighbour's  mind. 

All  wickedness  he  doth  disdain, 

In  action,  thought,  and  word ; 
But  those  his  honours  best  obtain 

Who  fear  and  love  the  Lord. 

Whate'er  he  promises,  his  word 

Unchangeable  shall  be  ; 
Whatever  means  it  may  afford 

To  his  own  injury. 

His  wealth  he  never  does  regard 

With  usur'ous  intent; 
Nor  will  he  take  the  least  reward 

Against  the  innocent. 


26  PSALMS    OP    DAVID. 

Who  that  in  these  things  does  abound, 

He  never  shall  be  moved  ; 
But  in  the  heavens  he  shall  be  crown'd, 

By  God  himself  approved. 


SIXTEENTH  PSALM. 

O  God,  my  soul  shall  trust  in  thee, 
Do  thou  my  great  preserver  be — 

Thou  art  my  Lord  and  might : 
My  goodness,  though  of  small  extent, 
Is  yet  toward  the  excellent, 

Thy  saints  are  my  delight. 

Their  sorrows  shall  be  multiplied, 
Who  do  in  other  gods  confide, 

I  will  not  speak  their  name  : 
The  Lord  is  my  inheritance, 
My  portion  and  my  maintenance, 

My  cup  and  only  claim. 

My  lines  have  fallen  well  to  me, 
A  goodly  heritage  1  see  ; 

A  land  with  plenty  spread  : 
For  all  thy  counsel  thee  I  bless, 
My  reins  instruct  in  righteousness, 

While  slumbering  on  my  bed. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  27 

Before  my  face  the  Lord  shall  stand, 
Because  he  is  at  my  right  hand ; 

I  never  shall  be  moved  : 
My  heart  is  glad,  my  glorying  blest, 
In  hope  my  flesh  shall  also  rest, 

By  God  himself  beloved. 
Thy  Holy  One  shall  never  die, 
Nor  shall  he  in  corruption  lie, 

Death  shall  its  Lord  restore : 
Thou  wilt  the  path  to  glory  show, 
Thy  presence  and  its  bliss  bestow, 

With  pleasures  evermore. 


SEVENTEENTH  PSALM. 

Hear  thou  the  right,  O  gracious  Lord, 

Unto  my  feeble  prayer  give  ear ; 
Nor  let  one  feign'd,  unguarded  word, 

Upon  my  tongue  or  lips  appear  ; 
Let  every  sentence  come  from  thee, 
That  all  things  equal  thou  may'st  see. 
Thou,  Lord,  didst  prove  and  try  my  heart, 

And  paid  me  visits  of  the  night ; 
And  found  within  my  mouth  no  part 

But  purposes  of  acting  right : 
Concerning  all  the  works  abroad, 
I  have  been  kept  by  thee,  O  Lord. 


28  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Do  thou  preserve  my  goings  still, 
Nor  let  ray  footsteps  slide  away; 

To  me  incline  thine  ear,  and  will, 

And  power,  and  truth,  whene'er  I  pray : 

Thy  marvellous  loving-kindness  show, 

And  save  me,  Lord,  and  save  me  now! 

Kept  as  the  apple  of  thine  eye, 
Hide  me  beneath  thy  shadowing  wing; 

Bid  all  my  deadly  foes  to  fly, 
Their  wicked  schemes  to  nothing  bring  ; 

And  when  my  steps  they  compass  round, 

In  thee  let  my  defence  be  found. 

In  their  own  fat  they  are  enclosed, 
Their  mouths  do  speak  both  proud  and  vile, 

And  wickedly  they  are  disposed 
To  compass  all  our  steps  with  guile  ; 

Like  as  the  greedy  lions  slay, 

They  make  our  souls  a  wanton  prey. 

Arise,  to  disappoint  him,  Lord, 
My  soul's  deliverer  now  appear, 

From  wicked  men,  who  are  thy  sword, 
Who  only  have  their  portion  here  ; 

Men  of  the  world,  who  hold  full  shares, 

And  leave  the  rest  unto  their  heirs. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  29 

But  as  for  me,  thy  name  I  bless, 
And  shall  behold  thy  glorious  face ; 

I  shall  be  clothed  in  righteousness, 
And  satisfied  with  all  thy  grace ; 

When  I  awake  with  power  divine, 

I  shall  in  thy  blest  likeness  shine. 


NINETEENTH  PSALM. 

The  heavens,  O  Lord,  thy  glories  teach, 
And  all  the  firmament  thy  might ; 

And  day  to  day  proclaims  a  speech, 
And  knowledge  is  obtain'd  from  night 

There  is  no  speech,  nor  language,  where 
Their  voice  is  not  distinctly  heard ; 

In  all  the  earth  their  lines  appear, 
O'er  all  the  world  extends  their  word. 

He  form'd  a  tabernacle  high, 
In  which  he  gave  the  sun  his  place, 

Who  's  like  a  bridegroom  in  the  sky, 
Or  a  strong  man  to  run  his  race. 

Through  heaven  his  going  forth  is  known, 
His  circuit  is  the  vaulted  sky ; 

His  heat  upon  the  earth  is  thrown, 
Its  hills  and  vales  to  beautify. 


30  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

Thy  holy  law  is  perfect,  Lord, 
The  inmost  soul  it  doth  reclaim ; 

And  by  thy  pure  unerring  word, 
The  simple  also  know  thy  name. 

The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right, 
Transporting  our  glad  hearts  on  high ; 

His  pure  commands,  with  heavenly  light, 
Do  brighten  and  illume  the  eye. 

Thy  fear,  O  Lord,  is  ever  clean, 
To  endless  years  it  shall  endure ; 

Thy  righteous  judgments  true  are  seen, 
And  altogether  are  mature. 

More  than  fine  gold  these  things  I  crave, 
They  share  my  best  and  high  regard ; 

Than  honeycombs  I  'd  rather  have 
Their  warnings  and  their  great  reward. 

His  errors,  who  can  estimate  ? 

Cleanse  thou  my  secret  faults  away ; 
Keep  me  from  a  presumptuous  state, 

And  sin's  entire  dominion  slay. 

Then  shall  I  be  preserved  upright, 
And  innocent  and  guiltless  be  ,■ 

From  all  transgressions  in  thy  sight 
I  shall  be  kept  entirely  free. 


PSALMS   OF  DAVID.  31 

0,  let  the  words  I  now  indite, 

And  meditations  I  record, 
Be  each  accepted  in  thy  sight, 

0,  my  Redeemer,  strength,  and  Lord. 


TWENTIETH  PSALM. 

The  Lord  will  hear  thee  in  that  day, 
Thy  troubles  far  remove  away ; 
His  name  thy  strong  defence  shall  be, 
And  from  Mount  Zion  strengthen  thee* 

Thine  offerings  he  will  all  regard, 
Thy  sacrifices  each  reward ; 
Grant  thee  according  to  thy  will, 
Thy  counsels  graciously  fulfil.  , 

Thou  shalt  his  great  salvation  praise, 
And  in  his  name  his  banners  raise ; 
The  Lord  shall  all  thy  prayers  fulfil, 
And  save  our  well  anointed  still. 

He  will,  from  heaven  his  dwelling-place, 
Bestow  his  saving  strength  and  grace ; 
Some  in  their  chariots  may  confide, 
We  in  the  name  of  God  abide. 


32  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

They  are  brought  down  a  fallen  band, 
But  risen  we  do  upright  stand ; 
Save  us  when  at  thy  throne  we  fall, 
And  let  the  King  regard  our  call. 


TWENTY-FIRST  PSALM. 

The  King  to  thee  shall  lift  his  voice, 
In  thy  salvation  shall  rejoice ; 
His  heart's  desire  he  hath  obtain'd, 
And  all  that  he  requested,  gain'd. 

Blessings  of  goodness  did  abound, 
With  purest  gold  his  head  was  crown'd  ; 
He  ask'd  that  thou  woutd'st  life  restore, 
And  thou  conferr'd  it  evermore. 

For  him  is  thy  salvation  made, 
Thy  majesty  on  him  is  laid  ; 
Forever  blest  his  soul  shall  be, 
And  made  exceeding  glad  in  thee. 

The  king  shall  on  the  Lord  rely, 
And  stand  unmov'd  through  the  Most  High; 
Thy  hand  all  hostile  foes  shall  find, 
Whate'er  their  strength  and  how  combin'd. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  33 

Like  as  an  oven's  burning  fire, 

Thou  shalt  consume  them  in  thine  ire : 

Nor  leave  a  seed  of  all  their  race, 

In  all  the  earth  a  dwelling  place. 

As  they  did  ill  to  thee  intend, 

And  could  not  well  secure  their  end, 

Thou  turn'd  them  back  to  their  disgrace, 

And  spread  thine  arrows  on  their  face. 

Be  thou  exalted,  O  our  Lord, 
In  thine  own  strength  fulfil  thy  word ; 
So  will  we  sing  and  praise  thy  power, 
Thy  goodness  and  thy  name  adore. 


TWENTY-THIRD  PSALM. 

The  Lord  my  shepherd  feeds  me, 

What  more  can  I  desire  ? 
Beside  the  streams  he  leads  me; 

Where  all  his  flocks  retire: 
His  goodness  will  restore  me 

To  paths  of  righteousness-;. 
And  he  will  go  before  me, 

And  all  my  blessings  bless. 
That  vale,  of  all  most  dreary,. 

Death's  shade,  I  shall  not  ffear;; 
Nbr  shall  my  heart  grow  weary;. 

With  thou,  my  shepherd',  neac 


34  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Thou  hast  prepared  my  table, 

My  bitterest  foes  among; 
And  thou  alone  art  able 

Those  blessings  to  prolong. 
My  head  thou  hast  anointed, 

My  cup  it  runneth  o'er ; 
For  me  thou  hast  appointed 

A  vast  exhaustless  store. 
Goodness  and  mercy  never 

Shall  leave  me  all  my  days ; 
And  in  God's  house,  forever, 

I  will  adore  his  grace. 


TWENTY-FOURTH  PSALM. 

The  earth  it  is  the  Lord's, 

The  fulness  it  doth  bear; 
And  all  the  world  affords, 

With  those  residing  there ; 
He  spake,  and  on  the  seas  it  stood, 
Establish 'd  firmly  on  the  flood. 
Who  shall  thy  hill  ascend, 

And  stand  before  thy  throne  ? 
And  in  thy  temple  bend, 

And  praise  the  Holy  One  ? 
Whose  hands  and  heart  are  clean  and  pure, 
Whose  soul  is  kept  from  vice  secure. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  35 

He  shall  the  blessing  gain 
From  heaven,  that  high  abode  ; 

Salvation  shall  obtain, 
And  righteousness  from  God ; 

This  generation  God  will  place 

With  those  who  love  his  church  and  grace. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates, 

Ye  mighty  doors,  give  way ; 
The  King  of  glory  waits, 

His  grandeur  to  display : 
Who  is  this  King  of  glory  nigh, 
The  strong  in  battle,  the  Most  High  ? 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates, 

Your  portals  open  wide ; 
The  King  of  glory  waits, 

He  comes  with  you  t'  abide ; 
He  is  our  sovereign  King  alone, 
Whose  glory  fills  th'  eternal  throne. 


TWENTY-FIFTH  PSALM. 

To  thee,  O  Lord,  I  lift  my  soul, 

And  also  trust  in  thee  ; 
O,  let  not  shame  my  heart  control, 

Nor  triumph  over  me. 


36  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Let  none  that  wait  on  thee,  O  Lord, 
Shame  or  dejection  know  ; 

But  such  as  violate  thy  word, 
Let  shame  their  hearts  o'erflow. 

Teach  me  thy  paths  and  holy  way, 
Thy  great  salvation  prove  5 

I  wait  upon  thee  all  the  day, 
To  obtain  thy  mighty  love. 

Thy  tender  mercies,  Lord,  unfold, 
Thy  loving-kindness  shew ; 

For  they  have  ever  been  of  old, 
Which  all  the  fathers  knew. 

Remember  not  my  youthful  sin, 
Nor  ways  I  then  did  take; 

In  mercy  make  me  clean  within, 
For  thine  own  goodness'  sake. 

The  Lord  is  good,  and  upright  too, 

To  souls  that  are  astray ; 
His  judgment  to  the  meek  will  show, 

And  guide  them  his  own  way. 

The  blissful  paths  of  truth  reveal 
To  such  as  keep  thy  word  ; 

Nor  pardon  from  my  soul  conceal, 
For  thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  37 

He  who  doth  strive  the  Lord  to  fear, 
His  way  shall  be  made  plain  ; 

Ease  in  his  dwelling  shall  appear, 
Earth  shall  his  seed  sustain. 

The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  known 

To  such  as  fear  his  name  ; 
To  those  his  covenant  is  shown, 

Who  do  his  truth  sustain. 

My  eyes  are  ever  up  to  thee, 

Preserve  my  wayward  feet  ; 
Have  mercy,  Lord,  and  turn  to  me, 

My  great  afflictions  meet. 

My  heart-felt  troubles  do  enlarge, 

Bring  me  from  my  distress ; 
Look  on  my  pain,  my  sins  discharge, 

For  thine  own  righteousness. 

Consider,  Lord,  my  numerous  foes, 

Their  cruel  hatred  see  ; 
O,  keep  my  soul,  my  heart  compose, 

For  I  will  trust  in  thee. 

May  sound  uprightness  keep  me,  Lord, 

For  I  do  wait  on  thee ; 
Redemption  to  thy  saints  afford, 

From  trouble  set  them  free. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

TWENTY-SIXTH  PSALM. 

Judge  me  in  thought  and  word, 

In  my  integrity  ; 
My  trust  is  in  the  Lord, 

Nor  would  I  slide  from  thee  ; 
A  strict  inquiry,  Lord,  impart, 
And  try  and  prove  my  reins  and  heart 

The  kindness  of  thy  love 

Appears  before  mine  eyes ; 
In  paths  of  truth  I  move, 

And  wickedness  despise ; 
I  sit  not  with  the  vain  and  low, 
Nor  do  I  with  dissemblers  go. 

Now  will  I  wash  my  hands, 

In  pure  innocency; 
While  at  thine  altar  stands 

My  sacrifice  to  thee. 
That  I  may  raise  my  thankful  voice, 
And  in  thy  wondrous  works  rejoice. 

I  love  the  house  of  God, 

Thy  habitation  fair; 
The  place  of  thine  abode, 

The  honours  dwelling  there. 
But  gather  not  my  soul  with  those 
Whose  hands  their  bloody  deeds  disclose. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID,  39 

Mischief  is  in  their  hand, 

And  right  hand  bribery ; 
But  I  will  firmly  stand, 

In  mine  integrity: 
My  foot  on  even  ground  shall  be, 
And  with  thy  saints  I  '11  worship  thee. 


TWENTY-SEVENTH  PSALM. 

The  Lord  he  is  my  light, 

Whom  therefore  shall  I  fear  ? 
My  strength  and  my  delight, 

And  my  salvation  near : 
And  though  mine  enemies  drew  nigh, 
They  stumbled,  and  did  prostrate  lie. 
Though  hosts  encamp  around, 

My  heart  is  not  afraid  ; 
Though  dreadful  wars  abound, 

On  God  my  soul  is  stay'd : 
And  this  my  confidence  shall  be, 
That  God  takes  special  care  of  me. 

One  thing  have  I  desired, 

Grant  it,  O  Lord,  to  me ; 
That  I  may  dwell  retired, 

Amidst  thy  courts,  with  thee  : 
The  beauty  of  the  Lord  t'  admire, 
And  in  his  temple  to  inquire. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

In  thy  pavilion,  Lord, 

My  soul  in  trouble  hide; 
Some  secret  place  afford, 

Where  I  can  safe  abide  : 
Let  me  within  thy  house  retreat, 
And  set  upon  the  rock  my  feet 

The  Lord  my  head  shall  raise 

Above  my  foes  around  ; 
And  sacrifice  and  praise 

Shall  in  thy  courts  abound : 
Yea,  I  will  sing  in  sweet  accord, 
And  offer  praises  to  thee,  Lord. 

And  when  to  thee  I  cry, 

In  tender  mercy  hear  ; 
And  graciously  reply, 

And  answer  all  my  prayer : 
Assist  my  heart  to  seek  thy  face, 
With  constant  persevering  grace. 

Hide  not  thy  face  from  me, 

Nor  cast  my  soul  away ; 
But  thou  my  helper  be, 

Nor  leave  me,  Lord,  to  stray; 
And  should  my  parents'  love  decline, 
Thou  wilt  receive  me,  Lord,  as  thine. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  41 

Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord, 
And  make  my  pathway  plain ; 

From  all  my  foes  abroad, 
Deliver  me  again : 

False  witnesses  around  I  see, 

And  such  as  breathe  out  cruelty. 

My  soul  had  prostrate  been, 

Unless  I  had  believed, — 
And  all  thy  goodness  seen, 

And  with  thy  people  lived : 
Wait  on  the  Lord,  courageous  be, 
And  God  himself  will  strengthen  thee. 


TWENTY-EIGHTH  PSALM. 

O,  Lord,  I  lift  my  cry  to  thee, 

My  rock  whom  I  adore  ; 
Lest  whilst  thou,  Lord,  should'st  silent  be, 

I  sink  to  rise  no  more. 

To  thee  alone  I  would  draw  nigh, 

To  thee  I  lift  my  hand ; 
To  thee,  mine  oracle,  I  fly, 

Waiting  thy  high  command. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

With  sinners  draw  me  not  away, 

Who  work  iniquity  ; 
Who  peace  unto  their  neighbours  say, 

Yet  to  all  mischief  free. 

Give  them  their  due  in  all  demands, 
Through  means  which  they  exert  ; 

Give  them  the  work  of  their  own  hands, 
A  true  and  full  desert. 

Because  they  did  not  thee  regard, 

Or  own'd  thy  work,  O  Lord  ; 
Destruction  shall  be  their  reward, 

And  no  relief  afford. 

All  homage  to  the  Lord  I  yield, 

Because  he  heard  my  voice ; 
Thou  art  my  strength,  and  thou  my  shield, 

In  thee  I  will  rejoice. 

My  heart  shall  trust  in  thee  alone, 

With  sacred  songs  of  praise  ; 
My  saving  strength,  my  Holy  One, 

Will  his  anointed  raise. 

Thy  people  save  with  strong  defence, 
And  feed  them  from  thy  store ;  ' 

And  bless  thine  own  inheritance, 
And  keep  them  evermore. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  43 

TWENTY-NINTH  PSALM. 

Give  to  the  Lord,  his  praise  proclaim, 
Give  glory,  strength,  and  righteousness ; 

Give  him  the  glory  due  his  name, 
The  beauty  of  his  holiness. 

His  voice  upon  the  waters  lie, 

The  Lord  he  thund'reth  far  above  ; 
On  all  the  seas  beneath  the  sky, 

His  all-pervading  power  doth  move. 
His  voice  is  full  of  mighty  power, 

The  Lord  himself  is  majesty; 
Before  him  forests  are  no  more, 

E'en  Lebanon  itself  must  flee. 

His  voice  the  mountains  do  inspire, 
And  like  the  youthful  calves  rebound ; 

The  Lord  divides  the  flames  of  fire, 
And  shakes  the  wilderness  around. 

He  form'd  the  beasts  of  every  kind, 
And  stretch'd  the  densely  shaded  woods ; 

His  glory  in  his  courts  we  find, 
While  he  is  seated  on  the  flood. 

He  is  our  King  forevermore, 

His  strength  shall  never,  never  cease ; 
And  those  who  do  his  name  adore, 

His  people,  he  will  bless  with  peace. 


44  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 


THIRTIETH  PSALM. 


I  will  extol  thee,  O  my  Lord, 
I  am  exalted  by  thy  word  ; 
Thou  didst  not  let  my  foes  rejoice, 
Or  triumph  o'er  me  with  their  voice. 

0  Lord,  my  God,  T  cried  to  thee, 
Thou  hast  in  mercy  healed  me ; 
My  soul  didst  from  the  grave  revive, 
For  thou  hast  kept  me  still  alive. 

Sing  to  the  Lord,  give  thanks  and  bless, 
In  memory  of  his  holiness ; 
His  anger  soon  was  turn'd  away, 
And  only  made  a  moment's  stay. 

Surrounded  by  a  world  of  strife, 
His  favour  is  eternal  life  ; 
Weeping  may  for  a  night  endure, 
The  rising  morn  our  joys  insure. 

1  said  in  my  prosperity, 

I  never  shall  removed  be  ; 

Thy  favour,  Lord,  thou  didst  prolong, 

Thy  power  hath  made  my  mountain  strong. 

The  Lord  his  face  from  me  did  hide, 
Then  troubles  rose,  a  fearful  tide  ; 
I  cried  to  thee,  O  Lord,  my  God, 
And  supplicated  thy  abode. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  45 

What  profit  is  there  in  my  death, 
When  I  go  down  the  grave  beneath  ? 
Shall  mouldering  dust  thy  praise  prepare, 
Shall  earth  thy  sacred  truth  declare  ? 

Hear,  and  have  mercy,  Lord,  on  me, 
And  thou  alone  my  helper  be ; 
My  mourning  habits  change,  and  bless 
And  gird  me  with  thy  righteousness. 

And  then  in  cheerful  praise  to  thee, 
My  glory  shall  not  silent  be ; 
My  Lord,  my  God,  whom  I  adore, 
All  praise  be  thine  forevermore. 


THIRTY-FIRST  PSALM. 

O  Lord,  1  put  my  trust  in  thee, 
O  let  me  not  ashamed  be; 
Deliver  me  in  righteousness, 
And  bow  thine  ear  my  soul  to  bless. 

Be  thou  my  rock,  (thy  strength  I  crave,) 
The  house  of  my  defence  to  save; 
Thou  my  protecting  fortress  make, 
And  guide  me  for  thine  own  name's  sake. 


46  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

O,  pull  me  from  the  net  now  laid, 
And  which  in  private  has  been  made  ; 
Thou  art  my  strength,  my  foes  control, 
To  fhee  do  I  commit  my  soul. 

Thou  hast,  O  Lord,  redeemed  me 
From  every  lying  vanity ; 
I  will  be  glad,  and  lift  my  voice, 
And  in  thy  mercy,  Lord,  rejoice. 

In  trouble  thou  considered  me, 
And  knew  me  in  adversity ; 
Thou  shalt  not  shut  me  up  with  those 
Who  are  my  strong  inveterate  foes. 

In  a  large  room  thou  set  my  feet, 
From  whence,  O  may  I  ne'er  retreat ; 
Have  mercy,  O  my  Lord,  on  me, 
From  grief  and  trouble  set  me  free. 

Mine  eye  and  life  consume  with  grief, 
From  sighing  I  have  no  relief; 
My  strength  does  fail  because  of  sin, 
My  bon^s  are  all  consumed  within. 

I  am  unto  my  friends  a  fear, 
My  neighbours  flee  when  I  appear ; 
I  am  as  dead  beneath  the  ground, 
Or  like  a  broken  vessel  found. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  47 

Slander  I  hear  extending  wide, 
And  fear  approaches  every  side ; 
My  foes,  like  a  distemper  rife, 
Take  counsel  to  destroy  my  life. 

But  I  will  trust  in  thee,  O  Lord, 
Thou  art  my  God,  thy  grace  afford  ; 
My  times  are  in  thy  hand,  and  thou 
Wilt  all  my  enemies  o'erthrow. 

O,  make  on  me  thy  face  to  shine, 
Save  me,  for  mercy,  Lord,  is  thine ; 
And  let  me  not  ashamed  be, 
For  I  have  called,  Lord,  on  thee. 

But  let  the  wicked  shame  obtain, 
And  silent  in  the  grave  remain  ; 
Let  lying  lips  confounded  be, 
Who  speak  of  saints  contemptuously. 

How  great  indeed  thy  goodness,  Lord ! 
Laid  up  for  them  that  fear  thy  word ; 
And  wrought  for  those  that  trust  thy  grace, 
Before  the  sons  of  Adam's  race. 

These  thou  shalt  in  thy  presence  hide, 
In  secret  from  the  sons  of  pride ; 
A  place  for  them  near  thee  belongs, 
Securely  from  the  strife  of  tongues. 


48  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

All  blessing,  Lord,  I  give  to  thee, 
For  all  thy  marvellous  works  to  me ; 
I  said,  "  I  am  cut  off  in  haste, 
I  am  before  thine  eyes  laid  waste." 

Yet  thou  hast  heard  my  voice  in  prayer, 
Didst  with  my  supplications  bear  : 
Let  saints  present  their  warmest  love, 
To  him  who  rules  the  worlds  above. 

The  Lord  shall  faithful  souls  regard, 
And  give  the  proud  their  full  reward ; 
Good  courage  take,  your  strength  maintain, 
And  you  shall  never  hope  in  vain. 


THIRTY-SECOND  PSALM, 

How  greatly  bless'd  is  he 
Whose  sins  are  all  forgiven ; 

The  man  who  feels  iniquity, 
Imputed  not  by  heaven. 

Happy  indeed  that  mind, 
In  which  there  is  no  guile  ; 

The  guiltless  soul,  by  grace  refined* 
With  heaven's  approving  smile. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  49 

When  silence  I  have  kept, 

My  bones  have  waxed  old  ; 
All  the  day  long  I  cried  and  wept, 

While  sin's  huge  surges  roll'd. 

No  cheering  streamlets  run, 

My  sufferings  to  allay ; 
Before  the  summer's  parching  sun, 

My  moisture  dried  away. 

Lord,  1  confess  to  thee, 

My  sins  1  did  not  hide ; 
And  thou  in  love  fbrgavest  me, 

Thine  anger  turn'd  aside. 

For  this  the  godly  pray, 

In  time  thou  may'st  be  found ; 

Though  mighty  floods  of  waters  play, 
Nigh  him  no  waves  rebound. 

Thou  art  my  hiding  place, 

From  troubles  keep  me  free ; 
With  songs  of  kind  delivering  grace 

Thou  wilt  encompass  me. 

To  me  in  goodness  show 

The  path  that  leads  on  high  ; 
Teach  me  the  way  that  I  should  go, 

And  guide  me  with  thine  eye. 
4 


50  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Not  as  the  mule  or  horse, 
No  understanding  gain ; 

O  guide  me  by  a  gentler  force, 
An  easy,  pleasing  rein. 

Sorrows  to  those  abound 
Who  disregard  thy  word  ; 

But  mercies  compass  him  around, 
Whose  trust  is  in  the  Lord. 

In  God,  ye  saints,  rejoice, 
Be  this  your  loved  employ ; 

Let  all  the  upright  lift  their  voice, 
And  let  them  shout  for  joy. 


THIRTY-THIRD  PSALM. 

Ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord  rejoice, 
For  you  how  comely  is  his  praise  ! 

Sing  both  with  instrument  and  voice, 
A  new  and  holy  anthem  raise. 

His  sacred  word  is  pure  and  right, 
And  all  his  works  in  truth  are  done  j 

And  righteousness  is  his  delight, 
While  judgment  dwells  around  his  throne. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  .  5i 

The  earth  is  in  its  ample  round 
Full  of  the  goodness  of  the  Lord ; 

The  heavens,  and  all  within  them  found, 
Were  all  created  by  his  word. 

The  waters  of  the  boundless  sea 
By  him  were  gather 'd  as  a  heap ; 

And  as  in  store-house  yet  we  see, 
The  mighty  billows  of  the  deep. 

Let  all  the  earth  Jehovah  fear, 
The  world  in  awe  before  him  stand  ,• 

He  spake,  and  all  things  did  appear, 
And  all  stood  fast  at  his  command. 

The  heathen  that  reject  his  word, 
Their  counsel  bringeth  he  to  nought ; 

The  people  who  despise  the  Lord, 
In  vain  are  their  devices  wrought. 

The  counsels  of  the  Lord  shall  stand, 
Firm  and  unchangeably  secure ; 

His  thought,  his  purpose,  and  command, 
To  generations  shall  endure. 

Blest  are  the  nations  whose  defence, 

And  God,  is  the  eternal  Lord ; 
His  chosen,  loved  inheritance, 

The  souls  confiding  in  his  word. 


52  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

THIRTY-FOURTH  PSALM. 

Lord,  I  will  bless  thy  name, 
At  all  times  sing  thy  praise ; 

Thou  art  my  boast  and  claim, 
To  thee  my  songs  I  '11  raise. 

The  humble  shall  thy  goodness,  see, 

And  magnify  the  Lord  with  me. 

I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he 
Did  save  me  from  my  fear : 

And  others  look'd  to  thee, 
And  also  lighten'd  were. 

The  poor  man  cried,  and  God  did  bow, 

And  saved  him  from  impending  woe. 

Angels  encamp  around 

Those  who  do  fear  the  Lord  ; 

Their  guardians  they  are  found, 
And  strong  defence  afford. 

The  Lord  is  good,  0  taste  and  see, 

And  he  is  blest  who  trusts  in  thee. 

Ye  saints,  your  Lord  adore, 
Your  wants  he  will  supply ; 

Though  the  young  lions  roar, 
With  lack  and  hunger  cry. 

To  those  who  love  and  seek  the  Lord, 

He  will  abundant  grace  afford. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  53 

Come  hearken  unto  me, 

And  I  will  teach  his  ways ; 
What  man  long  life  would  see, 

And  many  happy  days. 
His  tongue  must  keep  from  all  things  vile, 
And  hold  his  lips  from  speaking  guile. 

All  sin  he  must  eschew, 

To  every  good  attend  ; 
Seek  peace,  and  it  pursue, 

And  keep  it  to  the  end. 
On  saints  the  Lord  doth  keep  his  eye, 
His  ears  are  open  to  their  cry. 

The  Lord  doth  set  his  face 

Against  where  sin  abounds ; 
Its  memory  to  erase, 

Through  all  earth's  ample  rounds. 
Unto  the  Lord  the  righteous  ciy, 
Who  full  deliverance  will  supply. 

The  Lord  is  nigh  to  see 

The  humble  broken  heart ; 
And  saveth  such  as  be 

Contrite  in  every  part. 
Though  numerous  ills  the  saints  befal, 
The  Lord  delivereth  them  from  all. 


54  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

He  keepeth  every  bone 

In  an  unbroken  state  ; 
And  evil  works  alone 

Make  sinners  desolate. 
But  God  his  people  will  sustain, 
Nor  shall  they  trust  in  him  in  vain. 


THIRTY-FIFTH  PSALM. 

Plead  thou  my  cause,  O  Lord, 
With  them  that  strive  with  me ; 

My  strong  defence  afford, 
My  shield  and  buckler  be  : 

To  quell  my  foes  draw  out  thy  spear, 

And  let  me  find  salvation  near. 

Confounded  let  them  be, 

And  ever  put  to  shame  ; 
Let  them  confusion  see, 

That  seek  to  hurt  my  name  : 
Let  them  like  chaff  on  whirlwinds  rise, 
Chased  by  the  angel  of  the  skies. 

Leave  them  to  their  own  way, 

Both  dark  and  slippery  ; 
Who  without  cause  did  lay 

A  hidden  net  for  me  : 
Let  them  be  taken  unawares, 
And  catch  themselves  in  their  own  snares. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  55 

My  soul  shall  joyful  be, 

In  thy  salvation,  Lord; 
And  who  is  like  to  thee, 

So  powerful  in  word  ? 
From  all  that  spoil,  and  do  oppress, 
In  thee  the  poor  shall  find  redress. 


False  witnesses  arise, 
With  things  I  did  not  know ; 

False  charges  did  devise, 
For  good  did  evil  show : 

But  as  for  me,  when  sick  they  laid, 

My  clothing  was  of  sack-cloth  made. 

For  them  I  humbly  moum'd, 
With  fasting  and  with  prayer ; 

But  these  on  me  return'd, 

From  whence  they  did  repair : 

Like  as  a  friend  I  bow'd  forlorn, 

As  one  who  for  his  parents  mourn. 

In  my  adversity, 

The  abjects  gather'd  round  ; 
And  full  of  cruelty, 

They  ceased  not  to  wound  ; 
With  sullen  dark  hypocrisy, 
At  feasts  they  gnash'd  their  teeth  on  me. 


56  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

How  long  wilt  thou  look  on, 

When  wilt  thou  rescue  me  ? 
With  thine  own  hand  alone, 

From  lions  set  me  free  ? 
To  thee  my  song  of  thanks  I  '11  raise, 
And  'midst  the  assembly  sing  thy  praise. 

Let  their  rejoicing  cease, 
Who  look  with  jealous  eyes, 

Who  speak  not  words  of  peace, 
But  evil  things  devise  : 

With  open'd  mouth  they  do  declare, 

As  we  have  seen,  so  all  things  are. 

All  things  to  thee  appear, 

Yet  keep  not  silence  thou ; 
In  my  behalf  draw  near, 

Give  me  deliverance  now  ; 
Stir  up  thyself,  to  judgment  wake, 
My  cause,  O  Lord,  now  undertake. 

Judge  me  in  righteousness, 

Nor  let  my  foes  rejoice ; 
Nor  in  their  hearts  express, 

-  'Tis  as  it  were  our  choice ;" 
Ah !  suffer  not  my  foes  to  say, 
We  would  have  swallow'd  him  straightway. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  57 

Let  them  to  shame  be  brought, 

Who  do  rejoice  o'er  me  ; 
Their  honours  bring  to  nought, 

Confounded  let  them  be  : 
But  let  them  shout  with  strong  applause, 
Who  favour  thy  most  righteous  cause. 

Let  them  unite  as  one, 

And  say  continually, 
The  Lord  be  praised  alone, 

For  my  prosperity : 
All  the  day  long  my  soul  shall  bless, 
And  speak  thy  praise  and  righteousness. 


THIRTY-SEVENTH  PSALM. 

Fret  not  thyself,  nor  envious  be 

At  those  who  work  iniquity  ; 

For  soon  they  are  cut  down,  and  pass 

Like  the  green  herb,  or  withering  grass. 

Do  good,  and  trust  in  the  Most  High, 
He  will  thy  place  and  food  supply  ; 
Delight  thyself  in  him,  and  he 
Thy  heart's  desire  will  give  to  thee. 


58  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Commit  thy  ways  into  his  care, 
Trust  him,  and  all  his  goodness  share; 
Thy  righteousness  he  will  display, 
Thy  judgment,  as  meridian  day. 

Rest  in  the  Lord,  wait  patiently, 
Nor  fret  at  sin's  prosperity  ; 
Nor  yet  for  man,  who  is  like  grass, 
Who  bringeth  wickedness  to  pass. 

Thine  anger  cease,  thy  wrath  forsake, 
Of  evil  in  no  wise  partake  ; 
The  wicked  fall  'midst  all  their  mirth, 
The  righteous  shall  inherit  earth. 

Ere  long  the  wicked  shall  not  be, 
His  dwelling  place  no  eye  shall  see ; 
The  meek  shall  o'er  the  earth  increase, 
Delighted  with  abundant  peace. 

The  wicked  'gainst  the  just  conspire, 
Upon  them  gnash  their  teeth  with  ire  ; 
The  Lord  derides  their  vain  display, 
For  he  beholds  their  coming  day. 

The  wicked  have  drawn  out  the  sword, 
And  bent  their  bow  with  one  accord  ; 
The  humble  poor  to  cast  away, 
And  all  the  upright  souls  to  slay. 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  59 

I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old, 
Yet  this  firm  truth  I  do  unfold  ; 
I  have  not  seen,  in  years  now  fled, 
The  righteous  or  his  seed  want  bread. 

His  mercy  is  in  word  and  deed, 
And  blessings  rest  upon  his  seed  ; 
Depart  from  evil,  and  do  well, 
And  with  the  Lord  forever  dwell. 

The  Lord  regards  his  judgments  still, 
His  truth  to  saints  he  will  fulfil : 
The  Lord  preserves  them  from  on  high, 
The  wicked  and  their  seed  shall  die. 

The  righteous  shall  possess  the  land, 
And  dwell  therein  at  God's  command  ; 
His  mouth  with  wisdom  shall  o'erflow, 
His  tongue  shall  perfect  judgment  show. 

God's  law  within  his  breast  doth  hide, 
And  none  of  all  his  steps  shall  slide  ; 
The  wicked  watch  both  night  and  day, 
And  seek  the  righteous  souls  to  slay. 

He  will  not  leave  him  in  his  hand, 
Nor  suffer  him  condemn'd  to  stand  ; 
Wait  on  the  Lord,  his  ways  approve, 
Then  shalt  thou  rise  to  worlds  above. 


60  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Their  swords  upon  themselves  rebound, 
Their  bows  are  broken  on  the  ground  ; 
The  little  that  the  righteous  hold, 
Is  better  than  the  miser's  gold. 

The  arms  of  wicked  men  shall  break, 
The  righteous,  God  will  not  forsake ; 
Their  days  are  known,  and  without  end 
Shall  their  inheritance  extend. 

When  evils  everywhere  abound, 

No  shame  on  righteous  souls  is  found ; 

In  famine  they  are  satisfied, 

And  all  their  wants  are  well  supplied. 

The  wicked  fall,  and  prostrate  lay, 
Like  smoke  do  they  consume  away ; 
They  borrow  ne'er  to  pay  again, 
The  righteous  merciful  remain. 

They,  from  the  period  of  their  birth, 
Are  blest,  and  do  inherit  earth  ; 
But  wicked  men  are  cursed  below, 
And  sink  to  everlasting  woe. 

A  good  man's  steps  are  order'd  right, 
And  in  his  ways  God  takes  delight; 
Though  he  may  fall,  and  prostrate  lie, 
He  is  upheld  by  the  Most  High. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  61 

The  wicked  in  great  power  may  be, 
And  spreading  as  the  green  bay-tree  ; 
Yet  he  did  pass  beneath  the  ground, 
I  sought,  but  he  could  not  be  found. 

The  pure  and  upright  here  may  cease, 
Yet  is  their  end  eternal  peace ; 
Transgressors  may  a  long  time  scoff 
But  in  the  end  they  are  cut  off 

The  great  salvation  of  the  Lord 
The  righteous  have  as  their  reward  ; 
He  is  their  strength  when  troubles  rise, 
And  gives  them  succour  from  the  skies. 

The  Lord  shall  full  deliverance  give, 
And  from  the  wicked  will  relieve  ; 
And  those  that  trust  his  name  and  power, 
He  saves  them  now  and  evermore. 


THIRTY-EIGHTH  PSALM. 

In  wrath,  O  Lord,  rebuke  me  not, 
Thine  anger  let  it  not  wax  hot, 

When  thou  dost  chasten  me  : 
Thine  arrows  slick  me  o'er  and  o'er, 
Thy  hand  upon  me  presseth  sore, 

And  no  relief  I  see. 


62  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

No  soundness  in  my  flesh  I  feel, 
When  thou  thine  anger  dost  reveal, 

My  bones  no  rest  obtain  : 
O'er  me  my  iniquities  roll, 
A  weight  too  heavy  for  my  soul, 

O  God,  my  soul  sustain. 

My  wounds  are  putrefied,  and  stink, 
Because  of  foolishness  I  sink, 

And  troubles  do  abound : 
My  soul  goes  mourning  day  by  day, 
My  loins  with  loathsomeness  decay, 

My  flesh  is  all  unsound. 

Feeble  I  am,  and  broken  sore, 
With  great  disquietness  I  roar, 

God  is  my  whole  desire  : 
My  groaning  is  not  hid  from  thee, 
My  heart  and  strength  have  failed  me, 

Thy  mercies  I  require. 

Far  from  mine  eyes  my  light  is  gone, 
Lovers  and  friends  leave  me  alone, 

My  kinsmen  stand  far  off: 
They  that  my  life  design  to  take, 
Do  snares  in  secret  places  make, 

And  over  me  do  scoff 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  63 

And  they  that  seek  to  injure  me, 
Do  utter  things  mischievously, 

And  ail  deceit  indulge  ; 
But  like  one  deaf,  I  did  not  hear, 
Or  dumb,  no  speech  did  I  prepare, 

And  nothing  did  divulge. 


For  in  thee,  O  my  Lord,  I  hope, 
And  thou  wilt  hear,  and  lift  me  up, 

Lest  foes  o'er  me  rejoice ; 
My  foot  should  they  declining  see, 
They  magnify  themselves  o'er  me, 

Against  me  lift  their  voice. 

For  I  am  ready,  Lord,  to  halt, 
I  grieve  and  sorrow  o'er  my  fault, 

And  weep  continually : 
I  will  to  thee  confess  my  wrong, 
Though  foes  are  multiplied  and  strong, 

Who  hate  me  wrongfully. 

And  they  my  adversaries  are 
For  good,  who  evil  do  prepare, 

Because  I  good  pursue  ; 
Forsake  me  not,  my  God,  be  near, 
Make  haste,  and  to  my  help  appear, 

And  thy  salvation  show. 


64  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

THIRTY-NINTH  PSALM. 

"  I  will  take  heed,"  (ray  soul  did  say,) 
Nor  shall  a  sin  defile  my  tongue  ; 

My  mouth  shall  not  a  word  betray, 
While  wicked  men  about  me  throng. 

Silent  I  was,  and  held  my  peace, 
From  good  I  even  did  refrain; 

My  heart  it  did  with  heat  increase, 
And  when  I  mused  it  burnt  again. 

Then  spake  T  with  my  loosen'd  tongue, 

Make  me,  O  Lord,  mine  end  to  know ; 
The  measure  of  my  days,  how  long, 

And  my  exceeding  frailty,  show. 
Like  as  a  hand-breadth  are  my  days, 

Mine  age  is  nothing,  Lord,  to  thee; 
And  man,  amidst  his  best  displays, 

Is  altogether  vanity. 
His  walk  is  but  an  empty  show, 

He  is  disquieted  in  vain  ; 
He  heapeth  wealth,  yet  does  not  know 

Who  shall  his  gather'd  wealth  obtain. 

And  now  what  wait  I  for,  O  Lord  ? 

My  hope  is  centred  all  in  thee ; 
Deliverance  now  from  sin  afford, 

Nor  let  the  foolish  censure  me. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  65 

Silent  I  was,  thou  didst  it,  Lord, 
Thy  stroke  from  me  remove  away  ; 

When  thou  correction  shall  afford, 
Then  does  our  beauty  all  decay. 

Like  as  a  moth  does  he  consume, 

And  every  man  is  vanity ; 
His  native  earth  he  shall  resume, 

And  number'd  with  the  dust  shall  be. 

Hear  thou  my  cry  and  humble  prayer, 
Hold  not  thy  peace,  my  tears  suppress ; 

Sojourners  as  my  fathers  were, 
I  am  a  stranger  in  distress. 

Spare  me,  that  I  may  strength  acquire, 
Ere  yet  the  scenes  of  life  are  o'er ; 

Before  I  shall  from  hence  retire, 
When  passing  seasons  are  no  more. 


FORTIETH  PSALM. 

For  God  I  waited  patiently, 
And  he  inclined  his  ear  to  me ; 
And  when  my  feet  had  gone  astray, 
He  brought  me  from  the  mire  and  clay. 
5 


66  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

He  set  upon  the  rock  my  feet, 
And  then  establish'd  ray  retreat ; 
He  placed  upon  my  trembling  tongue 
A  new  and  sweet  harmonious  song. 

Even  constant  praises  to  my  Lord, 
That  those  who  hear  may  trust  his  word  ; 
How  blest  the  man,  though  made  of  dust, 
That  maketh  God  his  only  trust. 

The  proud  in  vain  his  friendship  tries, 
And  those  that  turn  aside  to  lies  ; 
His  kind  respects  they  ne'er  obtain, 
His  best  regards  they  never  gain. 

0  Lord,  those  wondrous  works  we  see, 
In  order  cannot  reckon 'd  be ; 

For  if  I  would  each  work  declare, 
They  all  beyond  my  numberings  are. 

Burnt  offerings  thou  didst  not  desire, 
Nor  daily  sacrifice  require ; 
But  when  my  soul  to  thee  drew  near, 
Thou  open'd  unto  me  thine  ear. 

Then  did  I  say,  "  behold,  O  Lord ! 
T  is  written  of  me  in  thy  word ; 

1  come,  O  God  to  do  thy  will, 
'Vnd  in  my  heart  thy  law  fulfil. 


PSALMS   OF  DAVID.  67 

For  thee  I  preached  righteousness, 
The  congregations  I  did  bless ; 
My  lips  have  not  refrain'd  one  word, 
This  truth,  is  known  to  thee  O  Lord. 

I  have  not  hid  thy  righteousness, 
But  have  declared  thy  faithfulness , 
Thy  kindness  I  have  not  conceal'd, 
Nor  truth  which  was  by  thee  reveaFd. 

Keep  not  thy  mercies,  Lord,  from  me, 
Let  me  thy  loving-kindness  see  ; 

0  let  thy  truth  preserve  me,  Lord, 
For  numerous  evils  are  abroad. 

My  sins  have  taken  hold  on  me, 

1  cannot,  Lord,  look  up  to  thee ; 
In  number  they  my  hairs  exceed, 
My  heart  within  me  fails  indeed. 

Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  deliverance  give, 
Make  haste,  let  me  thy  help  receive  ; 
Let  shame  mine  enemies  annoy, 
Who  seek  thy  servant  to  destroy. 

Let  them  be  driv'n  far  backward  still, 
And  put  to  shame,  who  wish  me  ill ; 
Be  desolation  their  reward, 
Confusion  for  their  disregard. 


68  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

Let  all  who  seek  the  Lord  rejoice, 
And  gladly  raise  their  cheerful  voice , 
But  such  as  thy  salvation  love, 
Shall  magnify  the  Lord  above. 

But  poor  and  needy  I  remain, 
Yet  God  will  think  of  me  again ; 
Help  me  from  thy  supreme  abode, 
And  make  no  tarrying,  O  my  God. 


FORTY-SECOND  PSALM. 

As  seeks  the  hart  the  water  brook, 
So  pants  my  heart,  O  Lord,  for  thee ; 

My  thirsty  soul  doth  upward  look, 
It  longs  the  living  God  to  see : 

When  shall  I  unto  thee  draw  near, 

And  when  before  my  God  appear  ? 

My  tears  have  been  my  only  food, 
I  shed  them  freely  night  and  day ; 

While  wicked  men  around  me  stood, 
And  constantly  I  heard  them  say, 

"  Where  is  thy  God,  and  where  his  throne, 

The  Great,  the  High,  and  Holy  One  ?" 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  69 

When  I  remember  these  alone, 
Like  floods  I  pour  my  soul  to  thee ; 

I  with  the  multitude  had  gone, 
With  them  the  house  of  God  to  see : 

And  there  thy  praises  did  display 

With  those  who  kept  a  holy-day. 

Why,  O  my  soul,  art  thou  cast  down, 

And  why  disquieted  in  me  ? 
Place  all  thy  hope  in  him  alone, 

Yea,  praise  him  for  his  help  to  thee : 
His  praises  evermore  advance, 
Who  helps  thee  with  his  countenance. 

My  soul  lies  prostrate  on  the  ground, 
Therefore  will  I  remember  thee ; 

From  Jordan,  and  from  Hermon's  bound, 
Or  Mizar's  high  acclivity : 

Deep  cried  to  deep  with,  deafening  call, 

O'er  me  the  bursting  waves  did  fall. 

The  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord 
All  the  day  long  shall  be  with  me  ; 

And  in  the  night,  with  sweet  accord, 
I  '11  offer  up  my  song  to  thee  .- 

To  God,  my  rock,  my  soul  shall  say, 

Why  go  I  mourning  all  the  day  ? 


70  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

My  bones  are  pierced  as  with  a  sword, 
While  daily  all  my  foes  do  say, 

"  Where  is  thy  God,  th'  eternal  Lord  ? 
And  where  doth  he  his  power  display  ? 

My  God  all  nature  does  control, 

Then  why  art  thou  cast  down,  my  soul  ? 

And  why  disquieted  art  thou, 

And  prostrate  cast  upon  the  ground  ? 

Hope  thou  in  God,  before  him  bow, 
And  in  his  joyful  praise  abound : 

Till  God  unveil  to  thee  his  face, 

And  shed  on  thine  his  healthful  grace. 


FORTY-THIRD  PSALM. 

Plead  thou  my  cause,  and  judge  me,  Lord, 

When  wicked  men  arise ; 
From  those  unjust  in  thought  and  word, 

And  full  of  treacherous  lies. 

My  strength,  O  God,  is  all  in  thee, 

0  cast  me  not  away ; 

For  the  oppression  shown  to  me, 

1  mourn  from  day  to  day. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  71 

Thy  light  and  truth,  O  send  them  still, 

My  wayward  feet  to  guide ; 
Lead  me  unto  thy  holy  hill, 

Within  thy  courts  t'  abide. 

O,  meet  me  at  thine  altar,  Lord, 

Thou  my  exceeding  joy  ; 
Then  in  thy  praise,  with  sweet  aceord, 

My  harp  shall  find  employ. 

Why,  O  my  soul,  art  thou  cast  down  ? 

Why  such  disquietness  ? 
Hope  thou  in  God,  and  he  will  crown 

Thy  head  with  righteousness. 


FORTY-SIXTH  PSALM. 

God  is  our  strength  and  refuge  still, 
A  present  help  when  troubles  rise ; 

Nor  will  we  fear  to  trust  his  will, 
Our  all  upon  his  truth  relies : 

Though  earth  should  move,  and  mountains  flee, 

Merged  in  the  billows  of  the  sea. 

Though  the  waves  heave,  and  troubled  are, 
And  mountains  tremble  with  their  swell, 

A  beauteous  river  doth  appear, 
Gliding  where  the  redeemed  dwell: 


72  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  streams  thereof  make  glad  th'  abode, 
The  city  of  the  living  God. 

That  holy,  sacred  place  of  love, 

The  glorious  courts  of  the  Most  High ; 

The  church  of  God  shall  not  remove, 
God  in  her  midst  is  ever  nigh  : 

The  Lord  himself  shall  help  bestow, 

And  that  right  early  he  will  show. 

Th'  infuriate  heathen  raged  around, 
The  kingdoms  moved  before  the  Lord ; 

His  voice  majestic  did  resound, 
Earth  melted  at  his  sacred  word  : 

The  Lord  of  hosts  is  our  defence, 

And  Jacob's  God  our  recompense. 

Behold  the  wondrous  works  of  God! 

What  desolations  he  hath  made ! 
In  every  part  of  earth's  abode, 

At  his  commands  the  wars  are  stay'd : 
He  breaks  the  bows  and  spears  in  ire, 
And  burns  the  chariots  in  the  fire. 

Be  still,  and  know  that  1  am  God, 
Exalt  him,  all  the  nations  round  ; 

And  in  the  heathen's  dark  abode, 
His  praise  in  all  the  earth  resound : 

The  Lord  of  hosts  our  refuge  is, 

The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  bliss. 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  73 


FORTY-SEVENTH  PSALM. 

O  clap  your  hands,  let  all  rejoice, 
And  shout  with  a  triumphant  voice ; 
For  terrible  is  God  Most  High, 
A  mighty  King  o'er  earth  and  sky. 

The  Lord  he  will  the  nations  meet, 
And  those  subdue  beneath  our  feet ; 
The  excellent  he  will  advance, 
And  choose  them  their  inheritance. 

God  with  a  shout  to  heaven  has  gone, 
With  trumpet  he  ascends  his  throne ; 
Sing  praises,  unto  Him  sing  praise, 
To  God  our  King  high  honours  raise. 

God  over  all  the  earth  is  king, 
Your  praise  with  understanding  bring; 
The  heathens  he  will  rule  and  bless, 
From  his  high  throne  of  holiness. 

The  princes  all  assembled  are, 
Ev'n  those  of  Abraham's  God  are  there; 
The  shields  of  earth  belong  to  God, 
Exalt  him  greatly  all  abroad. 


74  PSALMS    OP    DAVID. 

FORTY-EfGHTH  PSALM. 

Great  is  the  Lord,  in  his  abode, 

There  shall  his  saints  their  praise  express : 
The  holy  city  of  our  God, 

The  mountain  of  his  holiness. 

How  beautiful  Mount  Zion  is, 
The  joy  of  the  whole  earth  around ! 

The  city  of  our  King  is  this, 

Which  on  the  mountain  sides  is  found. 

God  in  her  palaces  is  known, 
A  refuge  where  the  trembling  fly ; 

For  lo !  th'  assembled  kings  came  down, 
And  passed  altogether  by. 

They  saw,  and  much  astonish'd  were, 

In  trouble  hasted  swift  away ; 
Then  were  they  seized  indeed  with  fear, 

As  those  who  in  deep  travail  lay. 

The  ships  of  Tarshish  broken  are, 
Toss'd  by  the  violence  of  wind ; 

Waves  in  tumultuous  storms  appear, 
And  nothing  leave  but  wreck  behind. 

As  we  have  heard,  so  we  have  seen, 

Within  the  city  of  our  God  ; 
The  Lord  of  hosts  our  God  hath  been, 

And  will  establish  his  abode. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  75 

O  God,  thy  love  and  kindness  still, 
While  in  thy  courts  our  thoughts  employ ; 

According  to  thy  name,  we  will 
O'erflow  the  earth  with  praise  and  joy.' 

Thy  hand  is  full  of  righteousness, 
Let  Zion's  mountain  then  rejoice ; 

Let  Judah's  daughters  also  bless, 
And  for  thy  judgments  lift  their  voice. 

Come,  let  us  walk  Mount  Zion  round, 
And  tell  her  towers  as  they  appear ; 

Mark  well  her  bulwarks  firm  and  sound, 
Her  palaces  how  great  they  are ! 

To  rising  generations  tell, 

This  God  is  ours  forevermore ; 
And  he  will  guide  our  souls,  to  dwell 

Beyond  where  death  exerts  his  power. 


FIFTY-FIRST  PSALM. 

In  mercy,  O  my  God,  appear, 
According  to  thy  kindest  love  ; 

As  all  thy  tender  mercies  are, 
So  my  transgressions  far  remove : 

Wash  me,  O  Lord,  from  every  sin, 

And  fully  cleanse  my  soul  within. 


76  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

My  sins  I  humbly  do  confess, 
They  stand  before  me  day  and  night ; 

Against  thee,  Lord,  I  did  transgress, 
And  did  this  evil  in  thy  sight; 

That  thou  might  justified  be, 

And  clear  whene'er  thou  judgest  me. 

I  was  conceived  and  born  in  sin, 
While  inward  truth  thou  didst  desire  ; 

And  in  the  hidden  parts  within, 
Wisdom  and  knowledge  did  require : 

Purge  me  warn  hyssop,  cleanse  me  now, 

Then  shall  I  whiter  be  than  snow. 


Gladness  and  joy  make  me  to  hear, 
And  all  my  broken  bones  restore; 

And  hide  thy  face  when  sins  appear, 
Yea,  blot  them  out  forevermore : 

O,  change  my  heart,  and  make  it  clean, 

And  a  right  spirit  place  within. 

Cast  me  not  from  thy  presence,  Lord, 
Nor  light,  nor  inspiration  move ; 

Let  thy  salvation  be  restored, 
Thy  holy  spirit  and  its  love  : 

Transgressors  then  thy  ways  shall  see, 

And  sinners  shall  converted  be. 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  77 

Save  me  from  all  blood-guiltiness, 
O,  God  of  my  salvation,  thou ; 

Then  will  I  sing  thy  righteousness, 
My*  tongue  shall  all  thy  goodness  show ; 

Open  my  lips  new  songs  to  raise, 

My  mouth  shall  then  show  forth  thy  praise. 

No  sacrifice  dost  thou  desire, 
Else  would  I  give  it,  Lord,  to  thee ; 

Burnt  offerings  thou  dost  not  require 
From  such  a  feeble  worm  as  me  ; 

A  contrite  heart  is  sacrifice, 

Which  thou,  O  God,  wilt  not  despise. 

Do  good  to  Zion,  bid  her  rise, 
And  build  Jerusalem's  walls  again ; 

Take  pleasure  in  our  sacrifice, 

And  our  burnt  offerings,  Lord,  sustain ; 

Then  from  thine  altar  shall  be  given 

Incense  ascending  up  to  heaven. 


FIFTY-FOURTH  PSALM. 

By  thy  great  name  save  me,  O  God, 
My  judge  do  thou  appear; 

My  prayer  admit  to  thine  abode, 
And  to  my  words  give  ear. 


78  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

For  strangers  do  against  me  rise, 

Oppressors  seek  ray  soul  ; 
They  set  not  God  before  their  eyes, 

They  own  not  his  control. 

The  Lord  my  helper  I  behold, 

And  he  will  me  regard  ; 
He  is  with  them  who  me  uphold, 

My  foes  he  will  reward. 

When  thou  mine  enemies  destroy, 

A  sacrifice  I  '11  bring  ; 
Thy  praise  shall  be  my  loved  employ, 

And  thy  good  name  I  '11  sing. 

From  all  my  various  troubles,  Lord, 

Thou  hast  deliver'd  me ; 
Mine  eyes  have  seen  o'er  earth  abroad, 

My  fallen  enemy. 


FIFTY-FIFTH  PSALM. 

Give  ear  unto  my  prayer,  O  Lord, 
Nor  from  my  supplications  hide  ; 

Attend  to  me,  and  hear  my  word, 
In  thee  I  mournfully  confide  : 

In  my  complaint  I  make  a  noise; 

Because  my  foes  lift  up  their  voice. 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  79 

Because  the  wicked  do  oppress, 

And  cast  on  me  iniquity  ; 
My  heart  is  pain'd  with  sore  distress ; 

And  death's  dread  terrors  fall  on  me : 
Trembling  and  fearfulness  I  find, 
And  horrors  overwhelm  my  mind. 

Like  doves,  O  could  I  wing  the  air, 

And  fly  away  and  be  at  rest ; 
Then  would  I  wander  off  afar, 

In  some  lone  shady  wilderness : 
Then  would  I  hasten  my  retreat, 
From  where  the  storms  and  tempests  beat. 


Destroy,  O  Lord,  divide  their  tongues, 
I  've  seen  their  violence  and  strife ; 

They  day  and  night  proceed  in  throngs, 
With  mischief  and  with  sorrow  rife : 

With  them  dread  wickedness  is  found, 

With  fraud  and  guile  the  streets  abound. 

'T  was  not  a  foe  reproached  me, 
For  then  I  could  the  deed  have  borne  ,• 

Nor  one  to  settled  hatred  free, 
That  magnified  himself  with  scorn : 

Then  could  I  hide  myself  away, 

Or  from  his  company  could  stay. 


30  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

But  he  it  was,  a  friend  most  dear, 
My  fond  acquaintance  and  my  guide ; 

With  counsel  sweet  we  each  drew  near, 
And  to  God's  house  walk'd  side  by  side 

Death  shall  upon  them  seize  and  dwell, 

And  they  shall  quick  go  down  to  hell. 

Offences  in  their  souls  abound, 

But  I  will  call  upon  the  Lord ; 
And  thou,  O  God,  shalt  then  be  found, 

The  Lord  will  save  me  by  his  word : 
Evening,  and  morn,  and  noon,  I  '11  cry, 
And  God  shall  hear  my  voice  on  high- 
He  hath  deliver'd  me  in  peace, 

From  battle  which  against  me  raged ; 
Many  about  me  did  increase, 

And  many  with  me  were  engaged ; 
God  shall  afflict  them  very  sore, 
He  who  abideth  evermore. 

Because  they  have  no  changes  here, 
They  are  against  the  fond  of  peace ; 

The  righteous  God  they  do  not  fear, 
His  covenant  they  break  with  ease ; 

His  words  than  butter  smoother  are, 

But  in  his  heart  is  raging  war — 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  81 

Softer  by  far  than  oil  his  word, 
Yet  as  drawn  swords  do  they  remain ; 

But  cast  thy  burden  on  the  Lord, 
And  he  alone  will  thee  sustain : 

The  righteous  whom  the  Lord  doth  love, 

He  will  not  suffer  them  to  move. 

But  thou,  O  God,  shalt  bring  them  down, 
The  pit  at  last  shall  these  receive  ; 

The  men  of  blood,  and  fraud,  are  found 
Not  more  than  half  their  days  to  live  ; 

But  I  will  trust,  O  Lord,  in  thee, 

Both  now  and  to  eternity. 


SIXTY-FIRST  PSALM. 

O  God,  in  mercy  deign  to  hear 
Thy  servant's  humble,  fervent  prayer ; 
From  earth's  remotest  verge  I  cry, 
To  thee,  thou  holy  and  Most  High  ! 

'Midst  evils  when  overwhelm'd  I  be, 
Direct  my  wayward  steps  to  thee  ; 
"  Lead  me  the  rock  of  ages  nigh," 
Exalted  far  above  the  sky. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

To  me  thou  hast  a  shelter  been, 
From  fierce  and  threatening  foes  a  screen 
My  tower  of  strength,  ray  refuge  thou, 
My  safeguard  from  the  hostile  foe. 

Still  near  thyself  may  I  reside, 
And  in  thy  holy  courts  abide  ; 
Keep  me  beneath  thy  shadowing  wings, 
Thou  Lord  of  lords,  and  King  of  kings- 
Near  to  thy  altar  when  I  bow, 
Most  graciously  regard  my  vow; 
Give  me  an  heritage  to  claim, 
With  those  that  fear  and  love  thy  name. 

Preserved  by  truth  and  mercy  still, 
Aid  me  to  do  thy  holy  will ; 
Accept  each  daily  sacrifice, 
Till  thou  remove  me  to  the  skies. 


SIXTY-SECOND  PSALM. 

My  soul  shall  wait,  my  God,  on  thee, 
Salvation  cometh  from  above ; 

My  rock  and  my  protection  be, 
Then  shall  I  not  so  greatly  move. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  83 

How  long  shall  men  in  mischief  live, 
And  utter  words  of  mere  pretence  ? 

Destruction  they  shall  all  receive, 
Or  tremble  as  a  tottering  fence. 

Their  only  consultations  are, 

To  prostrate  his  excellency  ; 
Their  mouths  with  blessings  they  prepare, 

But  they  have  curses  inwardly. 

Wait  thou  on  God,  the  Holy  One, 
My  hope  is  from  the  realms  above ; 

He  is  my  firm  defence  alone, 
From  whence  I  never  shall  remove. 

My  glory  and  salvation  thou, 
Rock  of  my  strength  and  refuge  be ; 

Ye  people,  let  your  hearts  o'erflow, 
To  God  our  refuge  we  will  flee. 


SECOND  PART  OF 

SIXTY-SECOND  PSALM. 

Surely  the  men  of  low  degree 
Are  nothing  more  than  vanity  ; 
And  false  are  those  of  higher  grade, 
When  they  are  in  the  balance  laid ; 
And  altogether  they  appear 
Far  lighter  than  the  empty  air. 


84  PSALMS   OF    DAVID. 

Do  thou  from  all  oppression  flee, 
Nor  yet  be  vain  in  robbery; 
If  earthly  riches  should  increase, 
Set  not  thy  heart  on  them  for  peace ; 
For  God  hath  spoken  all  abroad, 
That  power  belongeth  to  the  Lord. 
And  mercy,  Lord,  belongs  to  thee, 
Immense,  unbounded,  full,  and  free; 
According  as  our  works  appear, 
Thy  gifts  to  all,  thy  grace  shall  bear, 
With  all  thou  hast  so  freely  given, 
To  all  on  earth,  and  all  in  heaven. 


SIXTY-FIFTH  PSALM. 

Eternal  praises,  Lord, 

In  Zion  waits  for  thee ; 
Each  vow  and  sacred  word 

Shall  there  performed  be  : 
O  thou  that  hear'st  the  feeblest  prayer, 
All  flesh  shall  unto  thee  repair. 

Against  me,  Lord,  appear 

My  sins  in  dread  array ; 
But  these  I  shall  not  fear, 

They  shall  be  purged  away : 
Whom  thou  dost  choose,  how  blest  is  he, 
Who  may  approach  thy  courts,  and  thee ! 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  85 

We  shall  oe  satisfied 

With  what  thy  house  can  give ; 
Within  thy  courts  t'  abide, 

And  in  thy  temple  live : 
By  wondrous  things  in  righteousness, 
O  God  of  our  salvation,  bless. 

Thou  art  the  confidence 

Of  all  earth's  tribes  around ; 
Of  those  who  are  far  hence, 

Or  o'er  the  seas  are  found ; 
'Tis  by  thy  strength  the  mountains  stand, 
Girded  by  thine  Almighty  hand. 

Thou  still'st  the  raging  seas, 

The  roaring  of  the  wave ; 
All  tumults  doth  appease, 

When  wicked  people  rave  : 
And  they  that  dwell  remote  from  thee: 
Shall  fear,  when  they  thy  tokens  see. 

Thou  mak'st  the  opening  morn, 

And  evening,  to  rejoice ; 
And  earth  thou  dost  adorn, 

The  rains  obey  thy  voice  : 
Thy  river,  with  enriching  glide, 
Extends  its  full  and  onward  tide. 


86  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  corn  thou  didst  prepare. 

And  for  it  wilt  provide  ; 
The  ridges  water'd  are, 

And  furrows  by  their  side  : 
Thou  mad'st  them  soft  with  gentle  showers, 
To  bud  and  spring  with  fruit  and  flowers. 

The  passing  year  is  crown'd, 
Which  thou  dost  kindly  bless ; 

Thy  paths  drop  fatness  round, 
Upon  the  wilderness  : 

'Midst  streams  the  cheerful  pastures  spring, 

And  hills  their  glad  rejoicings  bring. 

The  pasture  of  the  fields 

With  flocks  is  cover'd  o'er  ; 
And  every  valley  yields 

Corn  in  abundant  store  : 
The  people  shout  aloud  for  joy, 
And  singing  is  their  loved  employ. 


SIXTY-SIXTH  PSALM. 

Make  unto  God  a  joyful  noise, 
Sing  forth  the  honours  of  his  name  ; 

In  all  his  glorious  power  rejoice, 
In  every  land  his  praise  proclaim  ; 

Thy  works  of  power  thy  foes  shall  see, 

And  shall  submit  themselves  to  thee. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  87 

The  earth  shall  worship  thee,  the  Lord, 
And  unto  thee  a  song  shall  raise  ; 

Come  see  the  works  of  God  abroad, 
Which  to  all  nations  he  displays : 

His  power  alone  dried  up  the  flood, 

And  on  dry  land  his  people  stood. 

Then  did  they,  Lord,  rejoice  in  thee, 
And  nations  round  them  did  behold ; 

No  more  may  they  rebellious  be, 
Or  break  the  bound'ries  of  thy  fold  ; 

Ye  people,  all  come  bless  the  Lord, 

Come  spread  your  voice  of  praise  abroad. 

Our  souls  and  life  in  him  abide, 
Nor  suffereth  he  our  feet  to  move  ; 

As  silver  in  the  furnace  tried, 
Thou  didst,  O  God,  thy  servants  prove ; 

Our  feet  within  thy  net  were  found, 

And  our  afflictions  did  abound. 

Our  enemies  o'er  us  did  ride, 

Through  fire  and  water  we  have  pass'd  ; 
But  God,  in  whom  we  did  confide, 

Gave  us  a  wealthy  place  at  last ; 
With  offerings  in  thy  house  I  '11  bow, 
And  there  will  pay  my  earliest  vow. 


88  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

To  thee  burnt  offerings  I  will  bring, 
My  fatlings  and  my  flecks  prepare; 

The  first-fruits,  Lord,  of  every  thing. 
As  holy  incense  shall  appear ; 

Come,  all  that  fear  the  Lord,  and  see 

How  gracious  he  has  been  to  me. 

My  mouth  I  open'd  to  the  Lord, 

My  tongue  his  goodness  doth  declare ; 

My  heart,  if  sin  it  doth  regard, 
He  will  not  hearken  to  my  prayer  : 

But  God  hath  heard  my  voice  on  high, 

And  hath  attended  to  my  cry. 


SIXTY-SEVENTH  PSALM. 

Be  merciful,  O  God,  and  bless. 
And  shine  on  us  in  righteousness ; 
To  all  the  earth  make  known  thy  way, 
Thy  saving  health  to  all  convey. 

O,  let  the  people  praise  thee,  Lord, 
Uniting  all  in  full  accord  ; 
May  the  glad  nations  find  employ 
In  singing  heavenly  songs  of  joy. 


PSALMS    OF   DAVID.  89 

For  thou  shalt  judge  and  greatly  bless, 
And  rule  the  earth  in  righteousness  ; 
Let  all  the  people  sing  thy  praise, 
May  all  their  blest  hosannas  raise. 

Then  shall  the  earth  yield  her  increase, 
And  God,  our  God,  will  grant  us  peace ; 
With  blessings  he  our  souls  shall  cheer, 
And  all  on  earth  his  name  shall  fear. 


SEVENTIETH  PSALM. 

Make  haste,  O  Lord,  deliver  me, 
And  let  me  gain  my  help  from  thee  ; 
May  shame  extend  its  full  control, 
And  those  confound  who  seek  my  soul. 

May  they  be  in  confusion  thrown, 
That  do  desire  my  hurt  alone  ; 
Bid  them  turnback,  their  course  retard, 
And  give  them  shame  as  their  reward. 

Let  those  that  seek  the  Lord  rejoice, 
In  thee  be  glad  with  cheerful  voice  ; 
Let  such  as  love  redemption,  cry, 
"  The"  Lord  be  magnified  on  high." 


90  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

But  poor  and  needy  I  remain, 
Make  haste,  O  Lord,  my  soul  sustain 
Nor  tarry  thou,  make  no  delay, 
Rise,  my  deliverer,  come  away. 


SEVENTY-THIRD  PSALM. 

To  Israel  truly  God  is  good, 

To  those  whose  hearts  are  clean  and  pure ; 
But  as  for  me,  my  feet  they  stood 

Where  all  my  steps  were  insecure : 
I  envious  was  when  I  did  see 
The  wicked  in  prosperity. 

No  bands  they  feel,  until  in  death, 
Their  strength  its  firmness  does  retain ; 

Their  plagues  and  evils  here  beneath, 
Are  not  what  other  men  sustain  ; 

Pride  like  a  chain  girds  them  around, 

And  they  in  violence  do  abound. 

Their  eyes  in  fatness  are  enclosed, 

And  more  they  have  than  heart  desires; 

Corrupt  and  wickedly  disposed, 
Their  speech  a  loftiness  acquires  : 

They  set  their  mouth  opposed  to  heaven, 

Their  tongue  o'er  all  the  earth  is  driven. 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  91 

SECOND  PART  OF 

SEVENTY-THIRD  PSALM. 

The  wicked  say,  "How  doth  God  know, 
Does  knowledge  dwell  with  the  Most  High? 

Th'  ungodly  of  this  world  below, 
Who  prosper  and  in  affluence  lie  ? 

Truly  ray  heart  is  cleansed  in  vain, 

And  wash'd  in  pure  innocency ; 
For  all  day  long  my  plagues  remain, 

And  chastening  every  morning  see. 

Whene'er  I  speak,  offence  I  give, 

Against  the  generation  round ; 
And  when  this  knowledge  I  receive, 

It  gives  to  me  a  painful  wound. 

But  in  thy  courts  with  thee,  my  God, 
Then  did  I  understand  their  end  ; 

A  slippery  place  is  their  abode, 
And  thou  shalt  quick  destruction  send. 

In  desolation  they  are  brought, 

And  utterly  consumed  with  fear ; 
And  as  a  midnight  dream  is  wrought, 

Thou  shalt  despise  the  mask  they  bear. 


92  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Thus  was  my  heart  o'erwhelm'd  with  grief, 

And  I  was  pierced  in  rny  rein ; 
Foolish  and  ignorant  of  relief, 

Like  as  a  beast  I  did  remain. 
Yet  I  am  ever  near  thy  side, 

By  thy  right  hand  thou  didst  relieve ; 
My  spirit  by  thy  counsel  guide, 

To  glory  then  my  soul  receive. 
Whom  have  I,  Lord,  in  heaven,  but  thee  ? 

And  nothing  else  do  I  desire ; 
On  earth  no  object  do  I  see, 

Thee,  only  thee,  do  I  admire. 
And  though  my  heart  and  flesh  shall  fail, 

Thou  wilt  my  strength  and  portion  be ; 
No  foes  shall  over  me  prevail, 

They  shall  be  all  destroy'd  by  thee. 
'T  is  good  for  me  that  I  draw  near, 

Long  have  I  trusted  in  thee,  Lord  ; 
And  all  thy  works  as  they  appear, 

I  will  declare  them  all  abroad. 


EIGHTIETH  PSALM. 

Shepherd  of  Israel,  now  give  ear, 
Who  leadeth  Joseph  like  a  flock, 

Between  the  cherubim  appear, 
Shine  forth,  our  high  defensive  rock ; 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  93 

O  come,  and  all  thy  strength  maintain, 
Turn  us,  and  shine  on  us  again. 

O,  Lord  of  hosts,  how  long  wilt  thou 
Be  angry  with  thy  people's  prayer  ? 

The  bread  of  tears,  how  long  bestow, 
And  tears  to  drink,  how  large  a  share? 

To  neighbours  we  appear  forlorn, 

Our  foes  are  laughing  us  to  scorn. 

O,  Lord  of  hosts,  turn  us  again, 
And  cause  thy  face  on  us  to  shine ; 

And  saved,  we  shall  thy  grace  sustain, 
Be  made  a  blooming,  fruitful  vine : 

The  heathen  were  cast  out  before, 

And  O  may  they  return  no  more. 

Thou  didst  prepare  us  room  to  stand, 
The  hills  were  cover'd  with  our  shade ; 

Thou  gave  us  root  to  fill  the  land,  * 
We  were  like  goodly  cedars  made ; 

Our  boughs  did  o'er  the  seas  extend, 

Our  branches  o'er  the  streams  did  bend. 

Why  hast  thou  broken  us  in  haste  ? 

Our  foes  insult  us  as  they  pass ; 
The  boar  out  oi  the  wood  doth  waste, 

Wild  beasts  devour  us  as  the  grass : 
Return,  O  Lord  of  hosts  divine, 
Look  down  from  heaven,  behold  this  vine ! 


94  PSALMS   OF    DAVID. 

The  vineyard,  too,  of  thy  right  hand, 

The  branch  thou  mad'st  for  strong  defence, 
'T  is  burnt,  and  cut  off  from  the  land, 

At  thy  rebukeful  countenance  : 
O,  let  thine  own  right  hand  be  laid 
On  him  thou  for  thyself  hast  made. 
So  will  we  not  go  back  from  thee, 

Turn  us,  and  hide  from  us  this  shame ; 
Quicken  us  now,  and  set  us  free, 

And  we  will  call  upon  thy  name  : 
Turn  us,  O  Lord,  upon  us  shine, 
And  save  us  with  a  power  divine ! 


EIGHTY-FOURTH  PSALM. 

Thy  holy  tabernacles,  Lord, 

How  truly  amiable  they  be  ; 
My  heart  it  faints  to  be  restored, 

And  longs  my  soul  to  worship  thee  : 
My  flesh  cries  out  for  thine  abode, 
The  temple  of  the  living  God. 
The  sparrows  twittering  in  the  air, 

A  house  and  place  of  nestling  find ; 
The  swallows  for  their  young  prepare, 

An  habitation  to  their  mind : 
And  round  thine  altar  I  will  bring 
An  offering  to  my  God  and  King. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  95 

Bless'd  is  the  man  that  near  thee  dwells, 
Who  still  will  offer  praise  to  thee  ; 

And  happy  those  whose  strength  excels, 
And  walk  thy  ways  continually : 

In  Baca's  vale  shall  wells  abound, 

And  rain  shall  fill  the  pools  around. 

From  strength  to  strength,  before  the  Lord, 

In  Zion  shall  they  all  appear ; 
O  God  of  hosts,  my  prayer  regard, 

O  God  of  Jacob,  lend  thine  ear; 
Our  shield  and  our  protector  be, 
Look  down,  and  thine  anointed  see. 


Within  thy  courts,  a  single  day 
Exceeds  a  thousand  spent  in  vain ; 

And  in  thy  house  I  'd  rather  stay, 
And  keeper  of  the  door  remain, 

And  there  to  dwell  in  righteousness, 

Than  in  the  tents  of  wickedness. 


The  Lord  he  is  a  sun  and  shield, 
The  Lord  will  grace  and  glory  give i 

His  goodness  shall  abundance  yield, 
And  every  want  he  will  relieve ; 

And  He  who  is  unsullied  light, 

Will  nothing  keep  from  the  upright. 


96  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

EIGHTY-FIFTH  PSALM 

Thou,  Lord,  unto  our  land 
Hast  favourable  been ; 

And  while  a  captive  band, 
In  our  defence  was  seen : 

Thou  brought  us  from  captivity, 

And  cover'd  our  iniquity. 

Thy  wrath  thou  didst  restrain, 
Thine  anger  turn'd  away ; 

Turn  us,  O  God,  again, 

Thy  saving  power  display : 

Forever  let  thine  anger  cease, 

And  grant  our  generations  peace. 

And  wilt  thou  not,  O  Lord, 
Revive  and  set  us  free  ? 

That  saints,  with  sweet  accord, 
May  all  rejoice  in  thee  ? 

To  us  thy  saving  mercy  show, 

And  let  us  thy  salvation  know. 

I  '11  hear  what  God  will  say, 
His  words  are  full  of  peace ; 

And  him  we  will  obey, 
From  every  lolly  cease : 

His  great  salvation  is  at  hand, 

His  glory  dwells  upon  our  land. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  97 

Mercy  and  truth  do  meet 
With  peace  and  righteousness ; 

And  each  the  other  greet, 
With  kind  and  fond  caress : 

Truth  springs  from  earth,  by  culture  given, 

And  righteousness  looks  down  from  heaven. 

Yea,  God  shall  then  bestow 

An  unmolested  peace ; 
And  all  our  lands  below, 

Shall  yield  a  great  increase : 
Before  him  shines  true  righteousness, 
Which  lights  our  way  to  heavenly  bliss. 

EIGHTY-SIXTH  PSALM. 

Most  holy  Lord,  bow  down  thine  ear, 
And  hearken  to  my  feeble  prayer ; 
Preserve  my  soul  that  trusts  in  thee, 
And  all  thy  kindness  show  to  me. 
Art  thou  not  ready  to  forgive, 
And  pleased  when  dying  sinners  live  ? 
Is  not  the  goodness  of  thy  name 
In  every  age  and  place  the  same  ? 
Come  then,  and  all  my  wants  regard, 
And  bless  me  with  thy  saints'  reward ; 
And  when  fierce  troubles  gather  round, 
Let  grace  more  plenteously  abound. 


98  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Thou  art  my  shield  and  strong  defence, 
My  over-ruling  providence  ; 
The  all-pervading  Deity, 
Whose  presence  fills  immensity. 

With  millions  I  will  worship  thee, 
And  bow  the  humble,  suppliant  knee ; 
The  greatness  of  thy  love  proclaim, 
And  sing  the  glories  of  thy  name. 

Thou  art  the  eternal  God  alone, 

The  heaven  of  heavens  contains  thy  throne ; 

Yet  is  thy  love  so  full  and  free, 

The  humblest  soul  may  trust  in  thee. 

Father,  to  me  a  token  show, 
My  claim  to  glory  let  me  know ; 
Strengthen  my  soul,  and  kindly  give 
Continued  comfort  while  1  live. 


EIGHTY-EIGHTH  PSALM. 

O  God  of  my  salvation,  thou, 
Both  day  and  night  I  cry  to  thee ; 

Admit  my  prayers  before  thee  now, 
Incline  thy  gracious  ear  to  me. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  99 

I  'm  full  of  trouble  and  of  grief, 
My  life  unto  the  grave  draws  nigh  ; 

I  sink  in  pits,  where  no  relief, 
No  strength  my  trembling  bones  supply. 

Free  'midst  the  dead,  in  graves  confined, 
Whom  thou  rememberest  no  more  ; 

Cut  offj  and  to  the  deep  consign'd, 
Where  the  thick  clouds  of  darkness  loweR. 

Thy  wrath  lay  hard  upon  me,  Lord, 
Conflicting  waves  o'er  me  did  roll; 

No  friends  to  claim  in  sweet  accord, 
Shut  up,  and  held  in  dread  control. 

My  mournful  eye  is  red  with  grief, 
While  daily  I  have  cried  to  thee; 

I  pray'd  that  1  might  find  relief, 
But  none  was  offer'd  unto  me. 

Wilt  thou  show  wonders  to  the  dead, 
And  shall  the  dead  sing  praise  to  thee  ? 

Shall  there  be  loving-kindness  spread, 
Shall  there  thy  faithful  mercies  be  ? 

Shall  all  thy  wonders  there  be  known, 
Where  nought  but  darkness  holds  its  sway  T 

Or  can  thy  righteousness  be  shown, 
Where  nothing  but  destructions  lay  ? 


100  PSALMS   OF    DAVID. 

I  cried,  O  Lord,  my  griefs  control, 

My  morning  prayer  shall  rise  to  thee ; 
Lord,  why  dost  thou  cast  off  my  soul, 

Why  hid  est  thou  thy  face  from  me  ? 
Ready  I  am  through  grief  to  die, 

From  earlier  years  of  youth  till  now  ; 
With  terrors  I  distracted  lie, 

Thy  wrath  and  terrors  lay  me  low. 
Daily  my  foes  like  floods  around, 

Encompass  me  on  every  side  ; 
Lover  and  friend  no  more  are  found, 

In  darkness  my  acquaintance  hide. 


NINETIETH  PSALM. 

Thou,  Lord,  our  dwelling  place  hast  been, 

To  all  our  generations  known  ; 
Before  the  mountain  heights  were  seen, 

Or  thou  with  hills  the  earth  didst  crown : 
From  everlasting  is  thy  name, 
Which  shall  to  endless  years  remain. 
Man  thou  returnest  to  the  ground, 

Whence  he  originally  came ; 
With  thee  a  thousand  years  are  found 

To  be  as  yesterday,  the  same : 
A  day,  a  year,  are  in  thy  sight, 
As  the  short  watches  of  the  night. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  101 

Or  as  a  flood,  with  onward  sweep, 
Our  lives  are  swiftly  borne  away ; 

Or  like  a  brief  and  dreamy  sleep, 
Or  grass,  soon  hastening  to  decay : 

We  flourish  with  the  morning  light, 

But  wither  at  the  approach  of  night. 

We  by  thine  anger  are  consumed, 

And  troubled  when  thy  wrath  is  near ; 

When  with  thy  light  we  are  illumed, 
Then  all  our  secret  sins  appear : 

For  all  our  days  are  pass"d  away, 

Our  years,  like  tales,  refuse  to  stay. 

Three-score  and  ten  our  years  may  be, 
Or  four-score,  if  our  strength  remain  ; 

Yet  we  shall  toil  and  labour  see, 
And  pass,  and  ne'er  return  again : 

Thy  power  of  anger  who  can  bear  ? 

And  as  thy  wrath,  so  is  thy  fear. 

Teach  us  to  number  well  our  days, 
And  wisely  all  our  powers  apply  ; 

Return,  O  Lord,  make  no  delays, 
Repent,  and  hear  thy  servant's  cry  : 

Early  may  we  thy  mercies  see, 

And  all  our  life  rejoice  in  thee. 


102  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

According  as  our  days  have  been, 

The  times  when  we  afflicted  were ; 
The  years  of  evil  we  have  seen, 

So  let  thy  love  to  us  appear : 
O  let  thy  wrork  to  us  be  shown, 
Thy  glory  to  our  children  known. 
And  let  the  beauty  of  our  Lord, 

Thy  holiness,  around  us  shine  ; 
Establish  thou  our  work  abroad, 

The  work  of  our  own  hands  make  thine  i 
Make  all  thy  promised  mercies  sure, 
To  stand  unchanged  while  years  endure. 


NINETY-FIRST  PSALM. 

He  who  hath  made  his  dwelling  nigh 
The  secret  place  of  the  Most  High, 
There  shall  his  soul  in  peace  abide, 
And  underneath  his  shadow  hide  ; 
And  I  will  say,  "  thou  art  my  tower, 
Thee  will  I  trust  forevermore. 

Thou  shalt  escape  the  fowler's  snare, 

And  pestilence  so  noisome  there  ; 

God  will  thy  ample  covering  be, 

And  stretch  his  lbstering  wings  o'er  thee ; 

His  steadfast  truth  from  heaven  reveal'd, 

Shall  be  thy  buckler  and  thy  shield. 


PSALMS   OF    DAVID.  103 

Thou  shalt  in  no  wise  be  afraid 
For  terrors  of  the  midnight  shade  ; 
Nor  for  the  arrows  which,  by  day, 
May  wing  their  poison'd,  reckless  way; 
Nor  lurking  pestilence  at  night, 
Nor  wastings  of  meridian  light. 

Thousands  may  fall  thy  feet  beneath, 
And  tens  of  thousands  sink  in  death ; 
Thou  shalt  the  dreadful  conflict  see, 
But  it  shall  not  come  nigh  to  thee ; 
The  wicked  shall  forever  die, 
But  thou  shalt  dwell  with  the  Most  High. 

No  evil  shall  approach  to  thee, 

No  plague  shall  near  thy  dwelling  be  ; 

To  angels  God  himself  conveys 

A  charge  to  keep  in  all  thy  ways ; 

And  bear  thee  in  their  hands  alone, 

Lest  thou  shouldst  dash  against  a  stone. 

Thou  shalt  upon  the  lion  tread, 
And  crush  the  serpent's  poisonous  head  ; 
The  fiercer  dragon  thou  shalt  meet, 
And  trample  him  beneath  thy  feet ; 
Thy  refuge  is  the  Lord  Most  High, 
Creator  of  both  earth  and  sky. 

Because  he  set  his  love  on  me, 
A  full  deliverance  he  shall  see ; 


104  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Because  that  he  hath  known  my  name, 
His  honour  I  will  far  proclaim  ; 
To  him  shall  length  of  days  be  given, 
And  everlasting  life  in  heaven. 


NINETY-FIFTH  PSALM. 

Come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord, 
In  heavenly  songs  of  sweet  accord ; 
A  loud  and  joyful  anthem  raise, 
The  rock  of  our  salvation  praise. 

Before  his  presence  lift  our  voice, 
And  make  with  psalms  a  joyful  noise  ; 
He  is  a  King,  all  kings  above, 
Above  all  gods,  the  God  of  love. 

The  deep  is  in  his  mighty  hand, 
The  hills  stand  firm  at  his  command  ; 
The  sea  is  his,  and  all  its  bound, 
He  form'd  the  firm  and  solid  ground. 

O  come,  and  let  us  worship  now. 
Before  the  Lord  our  Maker  bow  ; 
He  is  our  God,  his  name  we  bear, 
The  sheep  of  his  own  fold  we  are. 


PSALMS   OF    DAVID.  105 

We  are  the  people  of  his  choice, 
To-day  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice, 
Nor  hardness  in  your  hearts  possess, 
As  when  ye  ranged  the  wilderness. 

As  when  the  fathers  tempted  me, 
And  all  my  wondrous  works  did  see ; 
Forty  years  long  I  then  was  grieved, 
Because  of  those  who  disbelieved. 

The  people  err'd  and  went  astray, 
They  did  not  know  the  Lord's  right  way ; 
And  though  a  rest  he  did  prepare, 
He  sware  they  should  not  enter  there. 


NINETY-SIXTH  PSALM. 

Sing  a  new  song  unto  the  Lord, 
Join,  all  the  earth,  in  sweet  accord ; 
Sing  to  the  Lord  a  cheerful  lay, 
Show  his  salvation  day  by  day. 

Declare  his  glory  all  abroad, 
His  wonders  everywhere  record ; 
The  Lord  is  great,  exalt  his  name, 
Above  all  gods  his  fear  proclaim. 


106  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Idols  all  other  gods  are  found, 
But  our  God  spread  the  heavens  around  ; 
He  is  all  majesty  divine, 
His  courts  with  glorious  beauties  shine. 
Ye  kindreds,  give  unto  the  Lord, 
Glory  and  strength  to  him  award ; 
Give  glory  to  his  hallow'd  name, 
Your  offering  in  his  courts  proclaim. 
Say  to  the  world,  the  Lord  doth  reign, 
The  world  unmoved  he  doth  sustain  ; 
All  nations  shall  his  judgments  bless, 
For  he  doth  judge  in  righteousness. 
Let  heaven  rejoice,  and  earth  adore, 
The  sea  with  all  its  fulness  roar ; 
And  every  field  shall  joyful  be, 
And  every  wood,  and  every  tree. 
To  judge  the  world  the  Lord  shall  come, 
And  all  his  grandeur  shall  assume. 
He  '11  judge  the  world  in  righteousness, 
And  with  his  truth  his  people  bless. 


NINETY-EIGHTH  PSALM. 

O,  sing  unto  the  Lord, 

The  high  and  Holy  One ; 
His  works  are  spread  abroad, 

What  his  right  hand  hath  done ; 


PSALMS   OF    DAVID.  107 

His  arm  of  vast  immensity 
Hath  gotten  him  the  victory. 

The  Lord  he  hath  made  known 

His  great  salvation  here  ,• 
His  righteousness  hath  shown, 

Where  heathen  men  appear ; 
His  mercy  lie  remembereth  still, 
His  truth  to  Israel  doth  fulfil. 

Let  earth  in  all  its  bound 

His  great  salvation  see  ; 
And  joyfully  resound, 

In  singing  praise  to  thee : 
Sing  to  the  Lord,  in  him  rejoice, 
Praise  him  with  instrument  and  voice. 

With  trumpets  all  rejoice, 

And  cornets  sweetly  sing ; 
And  make  a  joyful  noise 

Unto  the  Lord  our  King  : 
Let  the  full  sea  with  praises  swell, 
The  world,  and  all  therein  that  dwell. 

The  floods  shall  clap  their  hands, 

Let  hills  overflow  with  mirth  ; 
The  Lord  before  us  stands, 

He  comes  to  judge  the  earth: 
Righteous  shall  all  his  judgments  be, 
He'  11  judge  the  world  in  equity. 


108  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

HUNDREDTH  PSALM. 

Make  to  the  Lord  a  joyful  noise, 

His  praises  sing  in  every  land  ; 
Serve  him  with  glad  and  cheerful  voice, 

With  singing  in  his  presence  stand. 
Know  ye  the  Lord  ;  he  is  our  God, 

And  we  the  people  of  his  care  ; 
He  made  us  for  his  own  abode, 

The  sheep  of  his  own  fold  we  are. 

Enter  his  gates  with  holy  praise, 

Within  his  courts  his  power  proclaim, 
To  him  immortal  honours  raise, 

And  thank  and  bless  his  glorious  name. 
The  Lord  is  good  and  rich  in  grace, 

His  mercy  is  forever  sure ; 
To  all  the  tribes  of  Adam's  race, 

His  truth  shall  evermore  endure. 


HUNDRED  AND  SECOND  PSALM 

O  Lord,  regard  my  humble  prayer, 
And  let  my  cry  come  unto  thee ; 

When  troubles  shall  my  heart  ensnare, 
Hide  not  thy  face,  O  Lord,  from  me  : 

Kindly  incline  thy  gracious  ear, 

To  my  relief  with  speed  repair. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  109 

My  days  consume  away  like  smoke, 
My  bones  are  burn'd  as  on  a  hearth; 

My  heart  is  smitten  with  thy  stroke, 
And  wither'd  like  the  grass  in  dearth : 

My  woes  indeed  are  so  replete, 

That  I  forget  my  bread  to  eat. 

By  reason  of  my  great  distress, 
My  skin  is  cleaving  to  my  bones ; 

Like  birds  that  prowl  the  wilderness, 
Or  as  the  desert  owlet  moans ; 

Or  sparrows  twittering  for  their  mates, 

On  the  house-top  or  lonely  gates. 

My  foes  reproach  me  all  the  day, 
They  that  are  mad  at  me  are  sworn  ; 

Ashes  I  eat  to  my  dismay, 
And  drink  my  tears  like  one  forlorn ; 

Because  of  thy  indignant  frown, 

Who  raised  me,  and  who  cast  me  down. 

My  days  like  shadows  do  decline, 

I  wither  as  the  parched  grass  ; 
While  years  unchangeable  are  thine, 

To  all,  shall  thy  remembrance  pass  : 
Arise,  O  Lord,  bring  Zion  home, 
The  time  to  favour  her  has  come. 


110  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Thy  saints  take  pleasure  in  her  stones, 
And  favour  all  her  sacred  ground ; 

Kings  shall  revere  thee  on  their  thrones, 
And  heathens  fear  thy  name  around  : 

When  God  shall  Zion's  walls  repair, 

In  glory  shall  he  then  appear. 

The  destitute  he  will  regard, 

And  this  to  generations  show ; 
Their  prayer  and  toil  he  will  reward, 

Millions  to  come  this  truth  shall  know : 
People  that  shall  created  be, 
Shall  offer  praises,  Lord,  to  thee. 

God  from  his  holy  courts  looks  down, 
From  heaven  he  doth  the  earth  behold ; 

To  hear  the  prisoner's  mournful  groan, 
And  loose  what  death  has  long  controll'd; 

In  Zion  thy  great  name  to  raise, 

And  in  Jerusalem  sing  thy  praise. 

When  all  the  people  gather'd  are, 
And  kingdoms  meet  to  serve  the  Lord, 

He  did  my  weaken'd  strength  impair, 
My  days  were  shorten'd  by  his  word  : 

I  said,  "  O  take  me  not  away, 

Ere  the  meridian  of  my  day." 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  Ill 

Thy  years  through  generations  stand, 

Earth's  firm  foundations  thou  hast  laid ; 
The  heavens  are  works  of  thine  own  hand, 

Those  starry  hosts  by  thee  were  made  : 
Yet  these  wax  old,  and  all  heaven's  range, 
Thou,  Lord,  shalt  as  a  vesture  change. 
But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  still  the  same, 

Thy  years  shall  never,  never  end  ; 
Thy  servants,  who  revere  thy  name, 

Their  children  onward  shall  extend ; 
Their  seed  shall  firm  establish'd  be, 
And  ever  shall  reside  near  thee. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRD  PSALM. 

My  soul  shall  bless  the  Lord, 

And  praise  his  holy  name  ; 
His  benefits  record, 

And  all  his  grace  proclaim  ; 
He  hath  forgiven  all  my  sin, 
And  healed  all  my  woes  within. 
He  hath  redeem'd  my  life, 

My  head  with  kindness  crown  d  $ 
And  'midst  the  scenes  of  strife, 

His  mercies  do  abound  ; 
With  good  my  heart  is  satisfied, 
My  soul  with  youthful  strength  supplied. 


112  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  Lord  in  righteousness 

Shall  make  his  judgments  known  , 

Abundantly  will  bless, 

And  claim  the  oppress'd  his  own ; 

To  Moses  he  made  known  his  ways, 

And  Israel  saw  his  vast  displays. 

Thou  kind  and  gracious  Lord, 

To  anger  thou  art  slow ; 
Thy  dealings,  acts,  and  word, 

Thy  plenteous  mercies  show  : 
God  will  not  always  blame  and  chide, 
Nor  angry  evermore  abide. 

To  us  thou  hast  not  been, 

As  our  offences  were  ; 
But  high  as  heaven  is  seen, 

So  great  thy  mercies  are  : 
From  east  to  west,  and  sky  to  sky, 
Removed  do  our  transgressions  lie. 

Like  as  a  father  kind, 

Doth  for  his  children  feel, 
Thy  pity,  Lord,  we  find, 

Our  mourning  breasts  to  heal : 
Our  frames  he  knows  (in  whom  we  trust,) 
Remembering  that  we  are  but  dust. 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  113 

Our  days  are  like  the  grass, 

Or  flowers  which  deck  the  plain  ; 
O'er  which  the  winds  do  pass, 

But  flourish  not  again : 
Though  fair  and  beauteous  now  the  flower, 
Its  place  shall  soon  be  known  no  more. 
But  mercy  shall  endure 

To  all  who  fear  the  Lord ; 
And  those  are  kept  secure, 

Who  know  and  keep  thy  word : 
God  hath  prepared  his  throne  on  high, 
His  kingdom  rules  from  sky  to  sky. 
Ye  angels,  bless  the  Lord, 

Who  do  in  strength  excel ; 
Ye  heralds  of  his  word, 

And  hosts  that  round  him  dwell : 
His  works,  where'er  in  space  ye  roll, 
Bless  ye  the  Lord,  and  thou  my  soul. 


HUNDRED  AND  FIFTH  PSALM. 

O  come,  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
And  call  upon  his  gracious  name  ; 

His  great  and  mighty  deeds  record, 
His  grace  to  all  mankind  proclaim ; 

Sing  unto  him,  sing  psalms  of  praise, 

Talk  ye  of  all  his  wondrous  ways. 
8 


114  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Glory  ye  in  his  holy  name, 

Let  those  rejoice  that  seek  the  Lord  ; 
Seek  ye  his  strength,  't  is  still  the  same, 

Seek  ye  his  face  and  changeless  word  : 
Remember  all  that  he  hath  done, 
His  words,  and  wonders  of  his  throne. 

Ye  seed  of  Abraham,  now  draw  near, 
And  Jacob's  sons,  a  chosen  band  ; 

He  is  the  Lord,  our  God  is  here, 
His  judgments  are  in  all  the  land  ; 

His  covenant  he  remembereth  still, 

His  words  to  thousands  will  fulfil. 


That  which  with  Abraham  he  affirm'd, 
And  with  an  oath  to  Isaac  swore, 

The  same  to  Jacob  he  confirm'd, 
A  law  enduring  evermore : 

Saying,  "  I  will  thy  seed  advance 

To  Canaan,  thine  inheritance." 

And  when  they  were  in  number  few, 
And  strangers,  and  sojourners  there ; 

The  many  nations  they  pass'd  through, 
And  kingdoms,  where  they  did  appear, 

He  suffer'd  none  to  do  them  wrong, 

Kings  were  reproved  they  dwelt  among. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  115 

"  Touch  not  my  sons  anointed  here, 
And  to  my  prophets  do  no  harm  j" 

He  spake,  and  famine  did  appear, 
O'er  all  the  land  it  spread  alarm  : 

On  all  the  grounds  his  hand  was  spread, 

Dissolving  the  whole  staff  of  bread. 

Joseph  was  sold  a  servant  there, 

His  feet  the  iron  fetters  bound  ; 
Until  the  word  and  time  drew  near, 

And  he  was  placed  with  the  renown'd : 
The  king  then  pass'd  his  strong  decree, 
The  ruler  loosed  and  set  him  free. 

O'er  all  his  house  he  made  him  lord, 
The  ruler  of  his  wealth  and  gain ; 

To  bind  his  princes  at  his  word, 
And  wisdom  to  his  court  explain  ,• 

And  Israel  into  Egypt  came, 

Jacob  sojourn'd  in  lands  of  Ham. 

And  he  increased  his  people  there, 

Ev'n  stronger  than  their  enemy ; 
Though  they  did  hateful  passion  bear, 

And  dealt  t'ward  them  with  subtlety  ; 
Deliverance  God  did  then  provide, 
Moses  and  Aaron  by  his  side. 


116  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

They  show'd  his  signs  by  field  and  flood, 
His  wonders  in  the  land  around  ; 

He  turn'd  their  waters  into  blood, 
And  darkness  spread  o'er  them  profound ; 

Instead  of  fish,  the  Lord  did  bring 

Frogs  in  the  chambers  of  the  king. 


He  speaks,  and  flies  and  lice  prevail, 
And  hail  for  rain,  and  flaming  fire ; 

«And  these  the  vines  and  trees  assail, 

And  spread  through  all  their  coast  his  ire ; 

Locusts  and  creeping  worms  abound, 

Devouring  all  upon  the  ground. 

He  smote  the  first-born,  house  and  fold, 
The  chief  of  all  their  strength  did  fall ; 

He  brought  his  chosen  forth  with  gold, 
And  none  were  feeble  'midst  them  all : 

Egypt  was  glad  when  they  were  gone, 

For  fear  had  seized  both  cot  and  throne. 

The  cloud  was  for  a  covering  spread, 
The  flame  illumed  by  night  their  way; 

The  people  ask'd,  he  gave  them  bread, 
And  God  did  full  supplies  convey: 

The  rock  with  crystal  streams  abounds, 

Which  flow'd  like  rivers  o'er  their  grounds. 


PSALMS   OF   DAVID.  117 

His  promise  he  remembereth  still, 

What  he  to  Abraham  did  affirm ; 
His  faithful  word  he  will  fulfil, 

And  all  his  covenants  confirm  : 
He  brought  his  people  forth  with  praise, 
His  chosen  songs  of  gladness  raise. 
He  gave  to  them  a  fertile  soil, 

Their  lands  with  clustering  vines  abound; 
And  they  possess  the  people's  toil, 

Their  fruits  and  fields,  and  meads  and  ground : 
That  they  his  statutes  may  regard, 
And  keep  his  laws,  and  praise  the  Lord. 


HUNDRED  AND  SIXTH  PSALM. 

The  Lord  come  let  us  praise, 

The  holy,  good,  and  pure  ; 
To  him  our  thanks  we  '11  raise, 

Whose  mercies  shall  endure : 
Who  can  his  mighty  acts  conceive  ? 
And  who  sufficient  praise  can  give  ? 

Those  souls  the  Lord  will  bless, 
Who  keep  his  judgments  still ; 

That  doeth  righteousness, 
And  all  his  ways  fulfil : 

Remember  me,  and  freely  give 

Those  favours  which  thy  saints  receive. 


118  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

O  visit  me,  my  Lord, 
With  thy  salvation  now ; 

That  good  to  me  afford, 

Thou  dost  on  saints  bestow  ; 

And  let  me  joyfully  engage, 

And  glory  with  thy  heritage. 


SECOND  PART   OF 

HUNDRED  AND  SIXTH  PSALM. 

With  our  forefathers  we  did  sin, 

Committing  great  iniquity ; 
Their  wickedness  was  deep  within, 

Though  all  thy  wonders  they  did  see  ; 
Although  thy  mercies  did  abound, 
Yet  they  were  in  rebellion  found. 

Thou  saved  them  for  thy  great  name  sake, 
To  make  thy  mighty  power  known ; 

A  path  within  the  sea  did  make, 
And  led  them  through  the  deep  profound  : 

From  foes  inveterate  set  them  free, 

And  saved  them  from  their  enemy. 

Their  foes  lie  cover'd  by  the  wave, 
Not  one  of  them  was  left  behind  ; 

Then  to  his  words  they  credit  gave, 
And  in  a  song  of  praise  combined  : 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  119 

But  soon  they  did  forget  the  Lord, 
Nor  waited  for  his  gracious  word. 

They  lusted,  though  so  greatly  blest, 
Nor  would  submit  to  God's  control ; 

He  gave  to  them  their  own  request, 
And  sent  them  leanness  in  their  soul; 

Moses  they  vilely  did  deride, 

In  Aaron  they  would  not  confide. 

Then  did  the  earth  her  mouth  expand, 

And  Dathan  and  Abiram  slew ; 
Fire  kindled  at  the  Lord's  command, 

Its  flames  their  comrades  did  pursue  ; 
In  Horeb  they  a  calf  did  rear, 
The  molten  image  worshipp'd  there. 

Then  was  their  mighty  glory  changed, 

Like  oxen  grazing  on  the  meads  ; 
From  God  their  Saviour  were  estranged, 

Who  wrought  for  them  such  wondrous  deeds : 
Those  wonders  in  the  land  of  Ham, 
And  the  Red  Sea,  through  which  they  came. 

The  Lord  would  have  destroy'd  them  all, 
But  Moses  in  the  breach  appear'd  ; 

And  God  did  let  his  anger  fall, 
And  Moses'  intercessions  heard  : 

Yea,  they  despised  the  pleasant  land, 

And  disbelieved  the  Lord's  command. 


120  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

They  murmur'd  in  their  tents  around, 
Nor  did  the  voice  of  God  obey ; 

Therefore  the  Lord  did  them  confound, 
And  thousands  in  the  desert  slay ; 

Their  seed  lie  scattered  among 

The  nations  as  they  pass'd  along. 

Ev'n  Baalpeor  they  did  invoke, 
And  of  their  offerings  did  partake ; 

Till  they  his  anger  did  provoke, 

Upon  them  then  the  plague  did  break : 

Phinehas  his  faithfulness  display'd, 

And  then  the  dreadful  plague  was  stay'd. 

The  Lord  did  Phinehas  greatly  bless, 
Who  slew  the  vile  offenders  down  ; 

His  act  was  counted  righteousness, 
And  he  obtain'd  immense  renown ; 

His  name  the  records  will  secure, 

While  generations  shall  endure. 


THIRD   PART   OF 

HUNDRED  AND  SIXTH  PSALM 

Then  they  provoked  the  Lord  again, 
When  he  did  streams  for  them  obtain ; 
And  Moses,  influenced  by  the  throng, 
Spake  indiscreetly  with  his  tongue. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  121 

Because  his  soul  they  did  provoke, 
Then  unadvisedly  he  spoke; 
God  did  -his  servant  reprimand, 
Forbidding  him  the  promised  land. 

The  nations  round  they  did  not  slay, 
According  as  the  Lord  did  say  ; 
But  mingled  they  among  their  bands, 
And  learn'd  the  works  of  heathen  hands. 

Idols  they  served  and  worshipp'd  there, 
Which  unto  them  became  a  snare ; 
Their  sons  and  daughters  undisguised, 
Were  unto  devils  sacrificed. 

And  blood  most  innocent  was  shed, 
And  children  unto  slaughter  led ; 
Around  the  idol  shrines  they  stood, 
Polluting  the  whole  land  with  blood. 

With  their  own  works  they  were  defiled, 
And  with  inventions  were  beguiled ; 
Then  God,  with  wrathful  countenance, 
Kindled  at  his  inheritance. 

Then  were  they  'midst  the  heathens  placed, 
And  by  them  hated  and  disgraced  : 
Their  enemies  did  them  oppress, 
And  they  were  brought  in  great  distress. 


122  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

And  many  times  deliverance  came, 
But  they  provoked  the  Lord  the  same ; 
For  all  their  sins  they  were  brought  low, 
And  under  deep  distress  did  bow. 

When  they  in  deep  affliction  lie, 
The  Lord  regarded  then  their  cry ; 
His  covenant  remember'd  still, 
And  changed  the  purpose  of  his  will. 
His  mercies  o'er  their  lands  did  fall, 
He  made  them  pitied  by  all  ; 
Ev'n  those  who  carried  them  away, 
Marks  of  compassion  did  display. 

Save  us,  O  God,  our  only  Lord, 
From  all  the  heathen  bands  abroad  ; 
Thy  holy  name  to  thank  and  bless, 
And  triumph  in  thy  righteousness. 
To  Israel's  God  all  thanks  afford, 
He  is  the  everlasting  Lord  ; 
Let  all  the  people  anthems  raise, 
Praise  ye  the  Lord,  Amen,  sing  praise. 


HUNDRED  AND  SEVENTH  PSALM. 

Give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  most  high, 
Whose  mercy  ever  shall  endure  ; 

Thus  let  the  souls  redeem'd  reply, 
Those  who  from  foes  he  keeps  secure. 


PSALMS    OF   DAVID.  123 

He  gather'd  them  who  far  did  stray, 

And  in  the  desert  places  fell ; 
Lost  in  a  solitary  way, 

Who  found  no  cities  where  to  dwell. 

Hunger  and  thirst  their  souls  oppress'd, 
Then  did  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  ; 

He  brought  them  out  when  sore  distress'd, 
And  full  deliverance  did  aflbrd. 

He  led  them  forth  by  the  right  way, 
That  they  might  habitations  rear ; 

His  praise  and  goodness  to  display, 
And  all  his  wondrous  works  declare. 

The  longing  souls  he  satisfies, 

And  fills  the  hungry  with  good  things ; 

His  goodness  every  want  supplies, 
And  overflowing  comfort  brings. 


SECOND   PART   OF 

HUNDRED  AND  SEVENTH  PSALM. 

Seated  in  darkness  and  in  death, 
And  bound  in  iron  grief  they  lie ; 

Those  who  had  breath'd  rebellious  breath, 
And  scorn'd  the  counsel  of  th'  Most  High. 


124  PSALMS   OF   DAVID. 

With  toil  he  did  their  hearts  repress, 
They  fell,  and  none  did  help  afford  ; 

He  saved  them  out  of  their  distress, 
Because  they  cried  unto  the  Lord. 

He  changed  their  darkness  into  light, 
And  led  them  through  Death's  gloomy  shade ; 

Their  bands  were  broken  by  his  might, 
And  their  defence  in  dust  was  laid. 

O,  praise  the  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
Which  all  his  wondrous  works  display ; 

The  gates  of  brass  break  at  his  word, 
And  iron  bars  he  cuts  away. 

Fools  are  afflicted  for  their  sin, 
Their  souls  abhor  all  pleasant  meat  ; 

Because  of  wickedness  within, 
They  near  to  death's  dark  gates  retreat. 

Then  do  they  cry  in  their  distress, 

And  God  doth  heal  them  by  his  word  ; 

He  saves  them  in  his  righteousness, 
And  full  deliverance  doth  afford. 

O,  may  they  all  thy  goodness  praise, 

A  tribute  to  thy  works  prepare ; 
An  offering  of  thanksgiving  raise, 

And  joyfully  thy  works  declare. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  125 

THIRD  PART  OF 

HUNDRED  AND  SEVENTH  PSALM. 

Thev  that  in  ships  go  down  to  sea, 
And  business  'midst  the  billows  keep, 

The  marvellous  works  of  God  they  see, 
His  mighty  wonders  in  the  deep. 

The  winds  are  raised  by  his  control, 
The  waves  in  heaving  billows  play ; 

They  mount  to  heaven,  then  downward  roll. 
And  in  the  ocean's  caverns  lay. 

Their  souls  melt  down  in  deepest  woe, 

As  the  fierce  tempests  do  extend ; 
Like  drunkards  staggering  to  and  fro, 

And  reel  as  if  at  their  wits'  end. 

Then  do  they  cry  in  dread  alarm, 

Till  God  doth  their  desires  fulfil  ; 
He  makes  the  raging  storm  a  calm, 

So  that  the  waves  thereof  are  still. 

Then  are  they  glad  when  they  have  gain'd 

The  haven  of  desired  rest ; 
And  praise  that  goodness  that  maintain'd 

Those  wondrous  works  of  righteousness. 


126  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

FOURTH   PART   OF 

HUNDRED  AND  SEVENTH  PSALM. 

Where  the  assembled  elders  are, 

Let  his  exalted  praises  sound  ; 
Where  congregated  saints  repair, 

Praise,  everlasting  praise,  rebound. 

He  makes  the  streams  a  wilderness, 
The  water  springs  a  parched  ground ; 

The  fruitful  land  is  barrenness, 
Because  that  wicked  men  abound. 

Then  streams  do  in  the  deserts  swell, 
And  water  springs  'midst  drought  appear ; 

And  there  he  makes  the  hungry  dwell, 
And  build  them  habitations  there. 

They  sow  the  fields,  and  plant  the  vine, 
Their  fruits  do  yield  a  large  increase ; 

Around  them  summer's  suns  do  shine, 
And  neither  flocks  nor  herds  decrease. 

Again  diminish'd  and  opprest, 

Beneath  affliction's  dreadful  sway ; 

The  power  of  princes  is  represt, 
They  wander  in  a  desert  way. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  127 

On  high  the  poor  shall  lift  their  voice, 
Like  flocks  their  families  shall  see ; 

The  righteous  shall  in  God  rejoice, 
And  wicked  all  shall  silent  be. 

Whoso  is  wise,  let  them  behold, 
And  they  shall  understand  thy  word ; 

To  them,  even  them,  thou  wilt  unfold 
The  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord. 


HUNDRED  AND  TENTH  PSALM. 

The  Lord  himself  to  my  Lord  said, 
Take  thou  at  my  right  hand  thy  seat ; 

Until  thy  numerous  foes  are  made 
To  sit  submissive  at  thy  feet : 

The  Lord  thy  rod  of  strength  shall  send, 

Which  o'er  thy  foes  thou  shalt  extend. 

Thy  people  all  shall  willing  be, 

When  thy  great  power  thou  shalt  renew ; 
The  beauties  of  thy  grace  shall  see, 

Its  youth  and  earliest  morning  dew : 
Like  Salem's  King,  God  will  secure 
Thy  priesthood  ever  to  endure. 


IIS  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  Lord,  that  day,  at  thy  right  hand, 
Shall  strike  in  wrath  through  many  kings ; 

Shall  judge  the  heathen  as  they  stand, 

And  wound  the  heads  each  country  brings  : 

Shall  drink  the  hrook  which  cheers  the  mead, 

And  therefore  shall  lift  up  his  head. 


HUNDRED  AND  ELEVENTH  PSALM. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  my  heart  shall  sing, 
And  praises  'midst  th'  assemblies  bring  j 
His  works  are  great,  sought  out  and  known 
By  those  well  pleased  with  him  alone. 

His  works  are  glorious  and  mature, 
His  righteousness  shall  firm  endure ; 
He  made  those  works,  that  all  mankind 
Might  know  how  great  and  good  his  mind. 

Food  for  his  saints  he  will  provide, 
His  covenant  doth  firm  abide  ; 
His  power  and  works  all  souls  engage, 
He  gives  his  saints  their  heritage. 

The  works  of  his  Almighty  hand 
In  truth  and  judgment  ever  stand  ; 
His  full  commandments,  firm  and  sure, 
In  truth  and  righteousness  endure. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  129 

Redemption  unto  all  he  sends, 
His  holy  covenant  never  ends  ; 
His  power  and  love  remain  the  same, 
Holy  and  reverend  is  his  name. 

A  sacred  fear  of  thee,  O  Lord, 
Wisdom's  first  dawning  shall  afford ; 
Good  understanding  those  display, 
Who  praise  him,  and  his  words  obey. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWELFTH  PSALM. 

Bless'd  is  the  man  that  fears  the  Lord, 
And  is  delighted  with  his  word  ; 
His  seed  on  earth  shall  mighty  be, 
And  bless'd  is  his  posterity. 

His  residence  and  wealth  secure, 
His  goodness  ever  shall  endure ; 
Round  him  shall  rise  the  purer  light, 
And  darkness  flee  from  the  upright. 

Righteous  and  all  compassion  he, 
A  good  man's  favours  all  are  free ; 
He  doth  discreetly  all  things  guide, 
And  ever  shall  unmoved  abide. 
9 


130  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  righteous  shall  for  ever  be 
Remember'd  by  posterity ; 
No  evil  he  doth  fear  abroad, 
His  heart  is  fix'd  to  trust  the  Lord. 

Establish'd  firm,  no  fear  shall  know, 
Shall  overcome  each  hostile  foe  ; 
He  has  dispersed,  he  gave  the  poor, 
His  righteousness  shall  firm  endure. 

Exalted  he  in  honour  lives, 
The  wicked  see  it,  and  he  grieves ; 
They  gnash  their  teeth,  and  melt  away, 
And  their  desires  with  them  decay. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTEENTH  PSALM. 

Praise  him,  ye  servants  of  the  Lord, 

And  bless  his  holy  name  ; 
From  this  time  forth,  in  sweet  accord, 

His  endless  praise  proclaim. 

From  the  first  rising  of  the  sun, 

Unto  his  final  rest, 
Let  everlasting  praises  run, 

His  name  be  ever  blest. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  131 

The  Lord  is  great,  and  great  his  throne, 

His  glory  fills  the  sky ; 
Who  can  compare  with  God  alone, 

Whose  dwelling  is  on  high. 

Himself  he  humbleth,  to  adjust 
The  things  in  earth  and  heaven ; 

The  poor  he  raiseth  from  the  dust, 
His  strength  to  them  hath  given. 

That  he  may  set  his  people  where 

The  princes  may  be  found, 
He  makes  the  barren  mother  bear, 

In  fruitfulness  abound. 


HUNDRED  AND  FIFTEENTH  PSALM. 

No  glory  to  ourselves  we  take, 
This  we  present  to  thee,  O  Lord  ; 

For  thine  own  truth  and  mercy  sake, 
We  offer  praise  in  full  accord  : 

Then  wherefore  should  the  heathen  say, 

"  Where  is  their  God  to  whom  they  pray  ?" 

Our  God  'midst  heaven's  vast  circle  slands, 

And  doth  entire  dominion  hold : 
Their  gods  are  works  of  their  own  hands, 

Idols  of  silver  and  of  gold : 


132  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Though  forms  of  sense  on  each  appear, 
They  neither  speak,  nor  see,  nor  hear. 
And  they  who  make  them  do  sustain 

A  likeness  to  the  moulded  dust ; 
Blinded  and  deaf  they  all  remain, 

While  they  in  idol  worship  trust : 
There  is  no  other  God  alone, 
But  the  eternal  Holy  One. 

O  Israel,  trust  thou  in  the  Lord, 

On  him,  ye  priests  and  saints,  rely ; 
The  Lord  your  shield  will  help  aflbrd, 

And  every  blessing  will  supply  : 
The  Lord  is  mindful  of  us  all, 
To  those  that  fear  him,  great  and  small. 
He  shall  increase  you  more  and  more, 

You  and  your  children  he  will  bless ; 
In  heaven  and  earth  he  gives  you  store, 

For  he  doth  heaven  and  earth  possess: 
The  silent  dead  shall  sing  no  praise, 
But  songs  eternal  we  will  raise. 


HUNDRED  AND  SIXTEENTH  PSALM. 

I  love  the  Lord  because  he  heard 
My  voice  and  humble  prayer ; 

In  my  behalf  his  grace  appear'd, 
To  me  inclined  his  ear. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  133 

Long  as  I  live  I  '11  pray  to  thee, 

When  sorrows  gather  round ; 
Though  death  itself  encompass  me, 

And  hell's  dread  pains  abound. 

Yea,  I  will  call  on  thee,  my  Lord, 

Thou  wilt  those  ills  control ; 
I  will  beseech  thee  to  afford 

Deliverance  to  my  soul. 

Gracious  and  merciful  art  thou, 

Thy  righteousness  I  see ; 
My  soul  was  brought  exceeding  low, 

But  thou  assisted  me. 

Return,  my  soul,  unto  thy  rest, 

God  has  been  kind  to  thee  ; 
Midst  death's  dark  shade  thou  shalt  be  blest, 

And  full  deliverance  see. 

0  keep  mine  eyes  from  every  tear, 
Preserve  my  feet  secure ; 

Then  in  thy  paths  will  I  appear, 
While  years  and  life  endure. 

1  spake,  my  words  were  too  unchaste, 

And  heedless  was  my  tongue  ; 
I  said,  and  said  it  much  in  haste, 
That  every  man  was  wrong. 


134  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

What  shall  I  render  to  thee,  Lord, 

For  all  thy  gifts  to  me  ? 
I  will  accept  thy  saving  word, 

And  call,  O  Lord,  on  thee. 

Now  will  I  pay  my  vows  aright, 
That  all  thy  saints  may  hear  ; 

For  precious  in  thy  holy  sight 
Thy  dying  saints  appear. 

Truly  thy  servant  1  arise, 

For  thou  hast  loosed  my  cord; 

I  therefore  offer  sacrifice, 
And  call  upon  the  Lord. 

To  thee  my  vows,  O  Lord,  I'll  pay, 
Where  saints  assembled  are ; 

Within  thy  holy  courts  I  '11  stay, 
Thy  praises  to  declare. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTIETH  PSALM. 

In  deep  and  sore  distress, 

I  cried  unto  the  Lord ; 
And  in  his  boundless  righteousness, 

He  hearken'd  to  my  word. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  135 

From  lips  disposed  to  lies, 

And  a  deceitful  tongue, 
Deliver  thou  my  soul,  and  rise 

Those  conquests  to  prolong. 

And  what  wilt  thou  bestow 

On  tongues  replete  with  ire  ? 
Sharp  arrows  of  the  mighty  throw, 

And  burning  coals  of  fire. 

Alas !  that  I  sojourn 

In  envious  Mesech  still ; 
Or  in  the  tents  of  Kedar  mourn, 

Exposed  to  every  ill. 

I  dwell  with  those  that  break, 

And  strive  my  peace  to  mar  ; 
I  am  for  peace,  but  when  1  speak, 

They  all  prepare  for  war. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIRST 
PSALM. 

Unto  the  hills  I  lift  mine  eyes, 
Whence  cometh  all  my  rich  supplies ; 
From  thee,  O  Lord,  my  help  is  given- 
Who  made,  and  fills  both  earth  and  heuT<m. 


136  PSALMS    OP    DAVID. 

That  ever-wakeful  power  above 
Will  not  permit  thy  feet  to  move ; 
He  that  doth  Israel  safely  keep, 
His  watchful  eyes  do  never  sleep. 

The  Lord  thy  keeper  near  shall  stand, 
A  welcome  shade  at  thy  right  hand ; 
By  day  no  sultry  sun  shall  smite, 
Nor  the  moon's  paler  gleam  by  night 

From  evil  and  its  dire  control 
The  Lord  shall  well  preserve  thy  soul ; 
Thy  going  and  returning  hour, 
From  this  time  forth  and  evermore. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-SECOND 
PSALM. 

I  was  glad  when  the  sound  I  did  hear, 
Let  us  go  to  the  house  of  our  God  ; 

Our  feet  shall  stand  cheerfully  there, 
In  the  gates  of  that  ancient  abode. 

Jerusalem,  how  beauteous  and  fair ! 

A  city  prepared  by  the  Lord ; 
Where  assembled  the  tribes  meet  to  hear 

Thy  pure  incorruptible  word. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  137 

To  the  statutes  of  Israel  draw  near, 
With  offerings  of  thanks  to  God's  name  ; 

Where  the  thrones  of  the  mighty  appear, 
The  thrones  which  his  judgments  proclaim. 

For  the  peace  of  Jerusalem  pray, 
May  they  prosper  indeed  that  love  thee ; 

In  thy  borders  may  peace  hold  full  sway, 
In  thy  palaces  prosperity. 

For  those  in  fraternal  accord, 

My  companions  where'er  they  are  found ; 
For  the  sake  of  the  house  of  the  Lord, 

May  peace  and  its  blessings  abound. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FOURTH 
PSALM. 

If  God  had  not  been  on  our  side, 
Well  may  the  tribes  of  Israel  say  ; 

When  men  rose  like  a  fearful  tide, 
Then  had  we  all  been  swept  away. 

They  would  have  swallow'd  us  alone, 
Such  was  the  wrath  to  us  they  bore  ; 

Then  o'er  our  souls  the  waves  had  gone, 
And  we  had  sunk  to  rise  no  more. 


138  PSALM9   OF   DAVID. 

We  bless  the  Lord  who  heard  our  prayer, 

Nor  gave  us  to  our  foes  a  prey ; 
Like  birds  which  broke  the  fowler's  snare, 

We  wing'd  our  joyful  flight  away. 
Our  help.  O  Lord,  is  in  thy  name, 

To  thee  shall  all  our  praise  be  given ; 
Let  all  thy  works  thy  praise  proclaim, 

Whose  power  alone  made  earth  and  heaven. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-FIFTH 
PSALM. 
They  that  do  in  the  Lord  confide, 

As  Zion's  mount  unmoved  shall  be ; 
Steadfast  and  firm  they  shall  abide, 

For  God  is  their  security. 
As  round  Jerusalem  appear 

Mountains  of  strong  defensive  power, 
The  Lord  protects  his  people  here, 

From  henceforth  and  for  evermore. 
The  rod  for  wicked  men  design'd 

Shall  not  upon  the  righteous  rest ; 
But  to  the  good  is  good  assign'd, 

The  upright  in  their  hearts  are  blest 
He  leads  them  forth  who  turn  aside 

With  such  as  work  iniquity  ; 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  139 


But  peace  on  Israel  shall  abide, 
From  now  to  all  eternity. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-SIXTH 
PSALM. 

When  our  captivity  did  change, 
And  Zion's  walls  with  light  did  beam, 

Our  mouths  were  fill'd  with  joys  as  strange, 
As  men  awaking  from  a  dream. 

The  Lord  hath  done  for  us  great  things, 
And  praise  shall  flow  from  every  mouth ; 

Our  captive  tribes  again  he  brings, 
Like  streams  returning  to  the  south. 

He  that  goes  forth  and  sows  in  tears, 
With  joy  at  reaping  time  shall  come ; 

His  sheaves  of  precious  seed  he  bears, 
At  the  great  feast  of  harvest  home. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-EIGHTH 
PSALM. 
Happy  the  man  who  doth  revere, 

And  walks  in  God's  commands  ; 
Who  labours  for,  and  eats  with  cheer, 

The  fruits  of  his  own  hands. 


140  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

His  wife  shall,  like  a  clustering  vine, 

Both  fruit  and  shade  afford ; 
Like  olive  plants  his  children  join, 

To  grace  his  festive  board. 

Thus  shall  the  faithful  man  be  blest, 

Who  fears  the  Holy  One  ; 
In  Zion  God  will  give  him  rest, 

Near  to  his  gracious  throne. 

The  Lord  will  give  him  length  of  days, 

Jerusalem's  good  to  see  ; 
And  children's  children  round  him  praise 

Israel's  prosperity. 


HUNDRED  AND  TWENTY-NINTH 
PSALM. 

Many  afflictions  I  have  seen, 

Israel  may  truly  say  ; 
From  early  youth  have  troubles  been 

Scatter'd  along  my  way. 

Yet  they  did  not  o'er  me  prevail, 
Though  'gainst  me  they  drew  near; 

The  ploughmen  plough'd  without  avail, 
And  deep  their  furrows  were. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  141 

The  righteous  Lord  did  stand  by  me, 

And  cut  away  their  cord  ,• 
And  may  they  all  confounded  be, 

Who  hate  thy  Zion,  Lord. 

Make  thern  as  grass  devoid  of  soil, 

That  withers  ere  it  grows  ; 
Which  ne'er  repays  the  labourer's  toil, 

Nor  sheaves  nor  fruit  bestows. 

Neither  do  those  that  pass  by  pray, 

"  Give  them  a  great  reward  ;" 
Nor  strangers  as  they  walk  that  way, 

Bless  in  thy  name,  O  Lord. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTIETH  PSALM. 

Out  of  the  depths  I  cried  to  thee, 
O,  let  thine  ears  attentive  be ; 
Hear  thou  my  supplicating  voice, 
And  bid  me  in  thyself  rejoice. 

If  thou  shouldst  mark  our  every  word, 
Who  then  could  stand  before  thee,  Lord  ? 
But  thou  forgiveness  doth  proclaim 
To  all  who  fear  thy  holy  name. 


142  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

My  soul  doth  wait  on  thee,  O  Lord, 
My  hope  is  in  thy  gracious  word  ; 
I  wait  for  thee  with  more  delight 
Than  those  who  watch  the  morning  light 

Let  Israel  hope  in  thee  alone, 
And  boundless  mercy  shall  be  shown ; 
Redemption  plenteous  he  shall  see, 
Redeem'd  from  all  iniquity. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-SECOND 
PSALM. 

Remember  David,  Lord,  with  care, 
The  afflictions  under  which  he  bow'd ; 

How  he  unto  the  Lord  did  swear, 
And  to  the  God  of  Jacob  vow'd. 

Within  thy  courts  I  will  not  stand, 
My  eyes  no  sweet  repose  shall  see, 

Until  I  find  a  place  at  hand, 
An  habitation,  Lord,  for  thee. 

We  heard  thy  tabernacle  stood 
At  Ephratah  with  special  care ; 

But  lo!  we  found  it  in  the  wood, 
And  to  the  place  we  did  repair. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  143 

Thy  tabernacle  to  restore, 
There  did  assembled  Israel  meet ; 

And  Jacob's  God  we  will  adore, 
And  bow  and  worship  at  his  feet. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  into  thy  rest, 

Thou  and  thine  ark,  without  annoy ; 

Clothe  all  thy  priests,  and  make  them  blest, 
And  let  them  shout  aloud  for  joy. 

For  David's  sake,  turn  not  away 
The  face  of  thine  anointed,  Lord  ; 

Thine  oath  thou  never  wilt  gainsay, 
Nor  change  thy  promised  truth  and  word. 

"  Thy  fruit  shall  sit  upon  thy  throne, 

If  they  my  covenant  regard ; 
If  they  my  testimonies  own, 

The  kingdom  shall  be  their  reward." 

Zion  is  chosen,  Lord,  by  thee, 

An  habitation  full  of  grace 
An  holy  rest,  design'd  to  be 

A  much  desired  dwelling  place. 

All  her  provision  he  will  bless, 
The  poor  he  will  with  bread  supply ; 

Will  clothe  her  priests  with  righteousness, 
Her  saints  shall  shout  aioud  for  joy. 


144  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Then  David's  horn  shall  buds  display, 

From  heav'n  shall  glorious  light  come  down; 

With  shame  his  foes  I  will  array, 
But  he  shall  wear  a  richer  crown. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-THIRD  PSALM. 

How  pleasant  and  how  good  to  see 
Where  brethren  dwell  in  unity ; 
Like  as  the  precious  ointment  spread, 
And  ran  o'er  Aaron's  beard  and  head  ; 
And  down  his  robes,  on  every  place, 
Emblems  of  rich  inspiring  grace. 

As  dew  on  Hermon's  flowery  hill, 
Or  Zion's  mountain,  did  distil ; 
Pure  kindred  gems  of  varied  dye, 
Which  trembling,  sparkling,  mingling  lie : 
There  doth  the  Lord  his  blessings  pour, 
Even  life  itself  for  evermore. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-FIFTH  PSALM. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  praise  ye  his  name, 
Let  all  his  servants  do  the  same  ; 
And  ye  that  in  his  house  do  stand, 
Or  in  his  courts  at  his  right  hand. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  145 

The  Lord  is  good,  and  praise  his  name, 
His  grace  is  pleasant  to  proclaim  ; 
The  Lord  chose  Jacob  as  his  own, 
And  Israel  his  peculiar  son. 

The  Lord  is  great,  and  this  we  know, 
Above  all  other  gods  below; 
In  heaven  his  mighty  works  abound, 
On  earth,  and  in  the  deep  profound. 

He  causeth  vapours  to  ascend, 
O'er  all  the  earth,  from  end  to  end  ; 
He  makes  the  lightning  for  the  rain, 
The  winds  his  treasures  do  contain. 

O'er  Egypt  God  did  stretch  his  hand, 
And  smote  the  first-born  of  the  land ; 
He  sent  his  wonders  there,  to  show, 
That  Pharaoh  and  his  hosts  might  know. 

Great  nations  and  their  kings  he  slew, 
And  all  their  mighty  kingdoms  too ; 
And  gave  their  lands  and  pasturage 
To  Israel  for  an  heritage. 

Thy  name,  O  Lord,  it  shall  endure, 
Throughout  all  generations  sure  ; 
The  Lord  will  judge  his  saints  with  care, 
And  with  their  numerous  frailties  bear 
10 


146  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  heathen  idols  are  bul  gold, 
The  work  which  they  themselves  unfold 
They  cannot  act,  they  are  but  dust, 
And  so  are  those  that  in  them  trust. 

O,  house  of  Israel,  praise  the  Lord, 
Ye  Levites,  who  declare  his  word  ; 
Let  Zion  her  hosannas  raise, 
And  all  Jerusalem  sing  praise. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-SIXTH 
PSALM. 

Let  us  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
For  all  the  good  to  us  restored ; 
Unto  the  God  of  gods  sing  praise, 
The  Lord  of  lords  all  honours  raise ; 
Eternal  thanks  to  him  secure, 
Whose  mercies  ever  shall  endure. 

To  him  whose  wonders  do  abound, 
Whose  wisdom  spread  the  heavens  around 
Who  stretch'd  abroad  the  fruitful  land, 
And  bid  it  on  the  waters  stand ; 
Songs  of  immortal  thanks  insure, 
Whose  mercies  evermore  endure. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  147 

The  mighty  God,  who  placed  on  high, 
Those  beauteous  orbs  t'  adorn  the  sky  ; 
The  sun  by  day  to  shed  his  light, 
The  moon  and  stars  to  rule  by  night ; 
All  praises  to  his  name  secure, 
Whose  mercies  ever  shall  endure. 

To  him  who  did,  through  Egypt's  bound, 
Smite  all  the  first-born  to  the  ground  ; 
And  Israel  brought  a  chosen  band, 
With  an  outstretch'd  and  mighty  hand : 
He  is  the  holy,  just,  and  pure, 
Whose  mercies  ever  shall  endure. 

To  God  who  bid  the  seas  divide, 
And  pass'd  his  Israel  o'er  the  tide ; 
But  Pharaoh  and  his  host  overthrew, 
And  led  his  people  safely  through  ; 
To  him  alone  all  thanks  secure, 
Whose  mercies  evermore  endure. 

Who  smote  the  heathen  kings  around, 
Kings  who  for  greatness  were  renown'd  ; 
Sihon  the  Amorite  he  slew, 
And  Og,  the  king  of  Bashan,  too ; 
Praises  to  him  we  will  secure, 
Whose  mercies  ever  shall  endure. 

Their  lands,  their  meads,  and  pasturage, 
He  gave  as  Israel's  heritage  ,• 


148  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

And  he  remember'd  our  estate 
When  lowly  and  disconsolate : 
Praises  and  thanks  let  us  mature, 
To  him  whose  mercies  shall  endure. 

Who  hath  redeem 'd  and  set  us  free 
From  every  hostile  enemy ; 
From  whom  all  full  supplies  are  given, 
Give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  heaven : 
Thy  praise,  O  Lord,  we  will  secure, 
Whose  mercies  evermore  endure. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-SEVENTH 
PSALM. 

'T  was  by  the  Babylonian  stream, 
That  we  sat  down ;  yea,  sat  and  wept  ; 

When  Zion  did  more  glorious  seem,  ■» 
And  full  in  our  remembrance  kept : 

Our  tuneful  harps,  now  all  unstrung, 

Were  there  upon  the  willows  hung. 

For  those  that  carried  us  away, 
Captives,  to  them  we  did  belong ; 

They  wasted  us,  and  still  did  say, 
Come,  sing  for  us  a  cheerful  song : 

How  can  we,  Lord,  our  songs  arrange, 

And  sing  them  in  a  land  so  strange  ? 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  149 

Jerusalem,  thou  happy  place, 

If  I  do  not  remember  thee, 
Let  my  right  hand  forget  its  grace, 

My  tongue  forever  silent  be : 
Jerusalem,  thy  loved  employ, 
Shall  be  my  chief  and  highest  joy. 

Edom  remember,  (then  employ'd,) 
And  all  his  children,  in  that  day  ; 

When  Babylon  shall  be  destroy'd, 
Who  would  have  swept  our  souls  away : 

As  they  thy  Zion  did  regard, 

Serve  unto  them  the  same  reward. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-EIGHTH 
PSALM. 

With  my  whole  heart  thy  praise  I  sing, 
Before  all  gods  I  reverence  thee  ; 

My  themes  of  holy  worship  bring, 
And  in  thy  temple  bow  my  knee. 

In  praises  of  supreme  accord, 
Thy  loving-kindness  I  proclaim ; 

For  thou  hast  magnified  thy  word 
Above  thine  all-exalted  name. 


150  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

When  in  the  day  I  cried  to  thee, 

Thou  answered'st  me,  and  strength  I  found; 
And  Icings,  when  they  shall  hear  from  me, 

With  holy  praises  shall  abound. 
Yea,  they  shall  sing  along  the  ways, 

Bound  in  affectionate  accord  ; 
For  mighty  are  thy  great  displays, 

And  great  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 
The  Lord,  though  high  upon  his  throne, 

Respects  the  meek  and  lowly  mind ; 
But  afar  off  the  proud  are  known, 

And  to  deep  infamy  consign'd. 
And  though  I  walk  where  ills  abound, 

My  soul  thou  wilt  revive  and  bless; 
Thou  shalt  stretch  forth  thine  hand  around, 

The  wrath  of  all  my  foes  suppress. 
Perfect  whate'er  concerneth  me, 

Thy  mercies  shall  forever  stand  ; 
Neither  do  thou,  where'er  I  be, 

Forsake  the  work  of  thine  own  hand. 


HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-NINTH 
PSALM. 

Lord,  thou  hast  search'd  me,  and  hast  known 
My  rising  up  and  sitting  down  ; 
My  thoughts,  howe'er  remote  they  be, 
Are  understood,  O  Lord,  by  thee. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  151 

Thou  art  acquainted  with  my  way, 
The  path  I  take,  the  place  I  stay  ; 
There  is  not  in  my  tongue  one  word, 
But  it  is  known  to  thee,  O  Lord. 

On  every  side,  where'er  I  be, 
Thy  gracious  hand  is  laid  on  me ; 
Such  wondrous  knowledge  who  can  gain  ? 
What  mortal  can  its  height  attain? 

To  what  lone  spot  can  I  repair, 
And  not  discern  thy  spirit  there  ? 
Where  can  I  hide  myself  from  thee, 
Or  whither  from  thy  presence  flee  ? 

If  I  ascend  above  the  sky, 

Thou,  Lord,  art  there,  the  Great,  Most  High ; 

Or  if  to  hell  I  should  repair, 

Behold  thy  hand  of  power  is  there. 

Should  morning  spread  its  wings  for  me, 
And  bear  me  o'er  the  stormy  sea, 
Ev'n  there  thy  hand  shall  guide  my  way, 
And  thy  right  hand  maintain  its  sway. 

When  cover'd  with  the  shades  of  night, 
Ev'n  there,  about  me  shall  be  light  ; 
The  darkness  hideth  not  from  thee, 
And  day  and  night  the  same  shall  be. 


152  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

My  reins  within  thou  hast  possest, 
While  yet  upon  my  mother's  breast ; 
All  themes  of  praise  to  thee  be  paid, 
For  I  am  wonderfully  made. 

Thy  works  all  wonders  do  excel, 
And  that  my  soul  does  know  right  well ; 
My  substance  was  not  hid  from  thee, 
When  I  was  made  most  secretly. 

On  me,  imperfect,  thou  didst  look, 
And  wrote  my  members  in  thy  book ; 
Ere  yet  I  had  received  my  birth, 
Or  I  had  left  my  native  earth. 

How  precious  are  thy  thoughts  to  me, 
How  great  the  sum  of  them  I  see ; 
And  could  I  count  them,  they  are  more 
Than  sands  which  gird  the  ocean's  shore. 

When  I  awake,  with  thee  I  '11  stay, 
Surely  the  wicked  thou  wilt  slay ; 
Ye  bloody  men,  from  me  refrain, 
Who  take  your  Maker's  name  in  vain. 

Those  wicked  men  I  do  despise, 
Who  hate  thee,  and  against  thee  rise  ; 
Sin  I  detest,  where'er  it  be, 
And  count  it  my  worst  enemy. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  153 

Search  me,  O  Lord,  and  try  my  heart, 
And  know  my  thoughts,  and  grace  impart  ; 
Guard  me  from  every  wicked  way, 
Lead  me  to  everlasting  day. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-FIRST  PSALM. 

Lord,  unto  thee  I  cry, 

Make  haste  to  answer  me ; 
Unto  my  feeble  voice  reply, 

Whilst  I  petition  thee  : 
Like  incense  let  my  prayers  arise, 
Or  as  the  evening  sacrifice. 

Preserve  my  mouth  from  sin. 

My  lips  from  speaking  guile  ; 
And  keep  my  heart  within, 

Beneath  thy  gracious  smile  : 
From  sinners  and  their  works  retreat, 
Nor  let  me  of  their  dainties  eat. 

The  righteous  may  reprove, 

A  kindness  it  shall  be ; 
An  excellent  oil  shall  prove, 

In  my  calamity ; 
Judges  an  overthrow  shall  meet, 
Yet  shall  my  words  to  them  be  sweet. 


154  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Our  bones  are  scatter'd  round , 
Where  opening  graves  appear  ; 

Like  where  the  woodman's  found, 
With  all  his  cleavings  near: 

I  look,  I  trust,  O  Lord,  in  thee, 

Leave  me  not  destitute  to  be. 

O,  keep  me  from  the  snare 
Which  they  have  laid  for  me ; 

The  gins  my  foes  prepare, 
Who  work  iniquity; 

In  their  own  nets  may  sinners  fall, 

But  help  me  to  escape  them  all. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-SECOND 
PSALM. 

Lord,  with  my  voice  I  cried  to  thee, 
And  pour'd  forth  my  complaint; 

My  soul  was  overwhelm'd  in  me, 
Impatient  of  restraint. 

My  pathway,  Lord,  to  thee  is  known, 

The  way  which  I  repair ; 
But  privily  my  foes  have  thrown 

Upon  my  path  a  snare. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  155 

On  my  right  hand  I  look'd  around, 

If  help  I  there  could  see  ; 
But  none  that  cared  for  me  I  found, 

All  refuge  failed  me. 

Then  to  the  Lord  ray  soul  did  say, 

My  refuge  is  in  thee  ; 
Long  as  I  with  the  living  stay, 

My  portion  thou  shalt  be. 

My  soul  is  brought  exceeding  low, 

Attend  unto  my  cry ; 
Deliver  me  from  every  foe, 

Who  have  more  strength  than  I. 

O,  bring  my  soul  from  prison  free, 

That  I  may  praise  thy  name  ; 
Then  shall  the  righteous  compass  me, 

Thy  bounteous  grace  proclaim. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-THIRD  PSALM. 

Attend,  O  Lord,  unto  my  prayer, 
And  all  my  supplications  hear ; 
Answer  me  in  thy  faithfulness, 
Regard  me  with  thy  righteousness. 


156  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

If  in  strict  judgment  thou  decide, 
What  man  can  then  be  justified  ? 
My  foes  do  persecute  my  soul, 
And  keep  my  life  in  dread  control. 

I  dwell  in  darkness  and  in  dread, 

As  those  that  have  been  long  since  dead  ; 

My  spirit  is  o'erwhelm'd  in  sin, 

And  I  am  desolate  within. 

I  recollect  the  days  now  gone, 
And  muse  on  works  thy  hands  have  done  ; 
To  thee  I  stretch  my  hands  around, 
Whose  soul  is  like  a  thirsty  ground. 

Hide  not,  O  Lord,  thy  face  from  me, 
Lest  I  shall  sink,  and  fall  from  thee ; 
Let  me  thy  loving-kindness  hear, 
Soon  as  the  morning  shall  appear. 

In  thee  I  trust  from  day  to  day. 
Cause  me  to  know  thy  holy  way  ; 
There  let  me  walk  from  danger  free, 
For  I  lift  up  my  soul  to  thee. 

From  all  my  foes  deliver  me, 
And  hide  me  when  to  thee  I  flee  ; 
Teach  me  to  do  thy  holy  will, 
Thou  art  my  God,  and  with  me  still. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  157 

With  thy  good  spirit  make  me  blest, 
Lead  me  into  that  land  of  rest ; 
Quicken  my  soul  for  thy  name  sake, 
An  end  of  all  my  trouble  make. 

Thine  utmost  mercy,  Lord,  employ, 
When  thou  my  foes  shalt  all  destroy  ; 
Destroy  them  that  afflict  my  soul, 
For  I  am  under  thy  control. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-FOURTH 
PSALM. 

The  Lord  I  '11  bless,  my  strength,  my  tower, 
Who  taught  my  hand  defence  and  war ; 
My  goodness  and  my  fortress  now, 
My  tower  and  my  deliverer  thou. 

Long  have  I  trusted,  Lord,  in  thee, 

My  people  thou  subdued  to  me  ; 

And  what  is  man,  whom  thou  shouldst  know, 

Or  such  account  on  him  bestow  ? 

Man  is  like  vanity ;  his  day 

Like  empty  shadows  pass  away ; 

O,  bow  thy  heavens,  and  then  come  down, 

And  all  the  towering  mountains  crown. 


158  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Cast  forth  thy  lightnings  to  annoy, 
Shoot  out  thine  arrows  to  destroy ; 
Reach  forth  thine  hand,  deliver  me 
From  the  great  waters  of  the  sea. 

Rid  me  from  strange  posterity, 
Whose  mouths  are  full  of  vanity ; 
And  in  whose  hands  is  falsehood  found, 
In  their  right  hands  do  lies  abound. 

Now  will  I  sing  a  song  to  thee, 
Upon  my  tuneful  psaltery  ; 
On  instruments  of  sweetest  string, 
Praises  unto  the  Lord  I  '11  bring. 

To  kings  thou  dost  salvation  give, 
And  David  from  the  sword  relieve ; 
From  children  strange  preserve  me  free, 
Who  nothing  speak  but  vanity. 

Our  sons,  may  they  like  plants  be  grown, 
Our  daughters  each  a  corner  stone ; 
Our  garners  full  of  every  store, 
Our  flocks  spread  every  landscape  o'er. 

Our  labouring  oxen  strong  and  stout, 
No  breaking  in,  nor  going  out ; 
And  no  complaining  in  the  street, 
Whene'er  we  move,  whene'er  we  meet. 


PSALMS   OF    DAVID.  159 

Happy  the  souls  in  such  a  case, 
The  people  crown'd  with  every  grace ; 
And  heaven  does  richer  joys  afiord 
To  those  whose  Saviour  is  the  Lord. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-FIFTH  PSALM. 

I  will  extol  thee,  Lord, 

And  bless  thy  holy  name; 
And  every  day  record 

Thine  everlasting  fame  ; 
The  Lord  is  great,  and  great  his  praise, 
Unsearchable  are  all  his  ways. 

Let  generations  see 

Thine  acts,  how  great  they  are ; 
Thy  glorious  majesty, 

And  all  thy  works  declare 
To  speak  of  all  thine  acts  of  power, 
And  all  thy  greatness,  Lord,  adore. 

Our  memory  shall  record, 

And  in  abundance  bless, 
The  goodness  of  the  Lord, 

And  sing  his  righteousness: 
Let  all  thy  full  compassion  know, 
Thy  mercies  kind,  thine  anger  slow. 


160  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

The  Lord  is  good  to  all, 

Thy  mercies  all  are  free ; 
And  saints  both  great  and  small, 

Shall  bless  and  honour  thee ; 
Shall  spread  the  glory  of  thy  name, 
Thy  kingdom  and  thy  power  proclaim. 

To  all  mankind  make  known, 

Thy  glorious  majesty  ; 
Thine  everlasting  throne 

Let  generations  see: 
Thy  power,  O  Lord,  upholdeth  all, 
The  bowed  down,  and  those  that  fall. 


All  eyes  do  wait  on  thee, 
From  thee  receive  their  food  ; 

Thy  bounteous  hands  are  free, 
And  full  of  every  good  ; 

And  each  desire  is  satisfied, 

And  every  living  thing  supplied. 

Holy  and  righteous  still 

Are  all  thy  works  and  ways ; 

Their  prayers  thou  wilt  fulfil, 
Who  truly  seek  thy  grace : 

Their  full  desire  thou  wilt  supply, 

Who  humbly  fear  the  Lord  Most  High. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  161 

The  Lord  will  hear  their  cry, 

They  shall  abundance  have  ; 
And  from  his  throne  on  high, 

He  will  his  people  save : 
The  Lord  shall  bless  his  saints  with  joy, 
But  all  the  wicked  will  destroy. 

My  mouth  shall  speak  his  praise, 

His  goodness  shall  proclaim  ; 
All  flesh  shall  join,  to  raise 

A  tribute  to  his  name  : 
The  Lord  our  God  let  all  adore, 
Now,  and  henceforth,  and  evermore. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-SIXTH  PSALM. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  my  soul  sing  praise, 
Long  as  I  live,  my  voice  I  '11  raise, 

While  I  my  being  have ; 
In  princes  we  will  put  no  trust, 
The  son  of  man,  he  is  but  dust,— 

These  cannot  help  nor  save. 
Man  goeth  forth,  and  draws  his  breath, 
And  then  returns  to  earth  in  death ; 

No  ling'ring  thoughts  remain : 
Happy  is  he  who  claims  alone 
The  God  of  Jacob  as  his  own, 

Who  will  his  hope  sustain. 
11 


162  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

He  made  the  heavens,  the  earth,  and  sea, 
And  all  therein,  whate'er  they  be ; — 

His  truth  eternal  stands ; 
He  forms  his  judgments  for  the  oppress'd, 
With  food  he  makes  the  hungry  bless'd, 

And  breaks  the  prisoners'  bands. 

The  Lord  restores  the  blind  their  sight, 
And  makes  the  bowed  man  upright ; 

His  love  to  saints  abounds : 
Preserves  the  stranger  in  distress, 
The  widow  and  the  fatherless ;  — 

The  wicked  he  confounds. 

The  Lord  he  shall  for  ever  reign, 
His  vast  dominion  will  maintain, 

And  endless  life  afford  ; 
O  Zion,  in  his  praise  combine, 
With  all  earth's  generations  join, 

In  praises  to  the  Lord. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-SEVENTH 
PSALM. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  't  is  good  to  sing, 
'T  is  comely  to  adore  his  grace ; 

He  built  Jerusalem,  and  doth  bring 
His  scatter'd  Israel  to  his  place. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  163 

The  broken  hearts  are  kindly  bound  ; 
He  healeth  every  opening  wound. 

He  numbereth  all  the  stars  that  shine, 
Gives  each  revolving  sphere  its  name ; 

Great  is  the  Lord,  of  power  divine, 
Whose  wisdom  changeless  is  the  same. 

The  meek  he  lifteth  to  his  throne, 

He  casteth  all  the  wicked  down. 

Thanks  to  the  Lord  who  rules  on  high, 
His  praise  upon  the  harp  sustain ; 

His  cloud  doth  cover  all  the  sky, 
And  for  the  earth  prepares  his  rain. 

The  mountain  grass  the  beasts  supply, 

He  feeds  the  ravens  when  they  cry. 

Not  in  the  horse  is  his  delight, 
The  active  limbs  no  pleasure  give, 

But  those  who  serve  him  day  and  night, 
And  in  his  mercy  hope  and  live. 

Jerusalem  shall  praise  the  Lord, 

And  Zion  praises  shall  afford. 

For  he  hath  strengthen'd  all  the  gates, 
And  bless'd  thy  children  born  in  thee ; 

Peace  now  in  all  thy  borders  waits, 
The  finest  wheat  as  gifts  shall  be. 

He  sends  his  great  commandment  forth, 

His  word  runs  swiftly  through  the  earth. 


164  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

He  giveth  flakes  of  snow  like  wool, 
His  frost  is  scatter'd  everywhere  ; 

His  ice  in  morsels  fills  each  pool, 
And  who  his  piercing  cold  can  bear  ? 

He  sends  his  word  with  melting  glow, 

The  winds  arise,  the  waters  flow. 

His  word  he  did  to  Jacob  show, 
His  statutes  Israel  hath  seen ; 

He  halh  not  dealt  with  others  so, 
No  nation  has  thus  favour'd  been. 

His  judgments  they  have  never  known 

Therefore  let  Israel  praise  alone. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-EIGHTH 
PSALM. 

PRAise  ye  the  Lord,  let  heaven  sing  praise, 
And  in  the  heights  new  anthems  raise; 
Ye  heavenly  hosts  and  angels,  sing, 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars,  your  tribute  bring. 

Praise  him,  ye  heaven  of  heavens  above, 
The  waters  that  around  do  move  ; 
Let  them  exalt  his  holy  name, 
For  they  at  his  commandment  came. 


PSALMS    OF    DAVID.  165 

He  'stablish'd  them  for  evermore, 

And  his  decree  they  pass  not  o'er  ; 

Praise  him  from  earth  where  dragons  keep, 

And  all  the  caverns  of  the  deep. 

Let  vapour,  snow,  and  hail,  and  fire, 

And  stormy  winds,  in  praise  conspire  ; 

Mountains  and  hills,  and  fruitful  trees, 

And  cedars  waving  to  the  breeze. 

The  beasts  and  grazing  cattle  there, 

And  creeping  things,  and  fowls  of  air ; 

Let  kings  and  people  join  the  mirth, 

Princes  and  judges  of  the  earth. 

Young  men  and  maidens,  youths  and  sires, 

Shall  then  awake  their  tuneful  lyres ; 

To  him  all  excellence  be  given, 

His  glory  is  o'er  earth  and  heaven. 

His  people  he  shall  also  raise, 

Of  all  his  saints  shall  be  the  praise ; 

Israel  to  him  a  people  near, 

Their  praises  to  the  Lord  shall  bear. 


HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-NINTH  PSALM. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  my  soul,  sing  praise, 
A  new  and  joyful  anthem  raise ; 
And  where  assembled  saints  appear, 
Sing  hymns  of  sweetest  praises  there. 


166  PSALMS    OF    DAVID. 

Let  Israel  in  the  Lord  rejoice, 

And  to  his  Maker  lift  his  voice ; 

May  Zion's  sons,  who  love  his  word, 

Be  joyful  in  their  King  and  Lord. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  his  holy  name 

Is,  was,  and  shall  remain  the  same ; 

With  timbrel  and  with  harp,  advance 

His  praise  amidst  the  sacred  dance. 

The  Lord  takes  pleasure  in  his  saints, 

His  ear  attends  to  their  complaints ; 

He  doth  the  meek  and  lowly  bless, 

And  beautify  with  holiness. 

When  he  in  glory  is  array'd, 

Let  all  the  saints  in  him  be  glad  ; 

And  when  in  calm  repose  they  lie, 

Let  praise  ascend  to  the  Most  High. 

For  saints  themselves  shall  judge  the  world, 

When  orbs  are  from  their  circles  hurl'd  ; 

This  honour  shall  they  all  obtain, 

Who  faithful  to  the  end  remain. 


HUNDRED  AND  FIFTIETH  PSALM. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  his  goodness  bless, 
Within  his  courts  of  righteousness  ; 
And  in  his  firmament  of  power, 
His  great  and  mighty  acts  adore 


PSALMS   OF    DAVID.  167 

To  him  alone  new  anthems  raise, 
His  excellence  of  greatness  praise ; 
In  praise  let  joyful  trumpets  sound, 
With  harp  and  psaltery  profound. 

His  praise,  with  timbrel  and  with  dance, 
And  stringed  instruments,  advance ; 
Organs  and  cymbals  sounding  high, 
Extend  his  praises  to  the  sky. 

Let  every  moving,  breathing  thing, 
Some  joyful  hymn  of  tribute  bring  ; 
Let  earth  and  heaven,  with  one  accord, 
Sing  holy  praises  to  thee,  Lord. 


ISAIAH. 


ISAIAH,  ELEVENTH  CHAPTER. 

A  rod  from  Jesse's  stem  shall  grow, 
A  branch  shall  from  his  root  arise  ,- 

The  spirit  shall  his  soul  overflow, 
True  wisdom  he  shall  exercise : 

Counsel  and  might  attend  his  word, 

The  fear  and  spirit  of  the  Lord. 

He  righteously  shall  judge  the  poor, 
With  equity  the  meek  reprove ; 

His  judgments  on  the  earth  will  pour, 
The  wicked  by  his  breath  remove ; 

While  holiness  his  loins  sustains, 

And  faithfulness  shall  gird  his  reins. 

The  wolf  shall  with  the  lamb  abide, 
The  leopard  with  the  kid  be  found  ; 

The  calf  and  lion  side  by  side, 
And  a  young  child  shall  lead  them  round 

The  cow  and  bear  together  meet, 

The  lions,  straw  like  oxen  eat. 

169 


170  ISAIAH. 

The  sucking  child  shall  fearless  play 
O'er  asps  conceal'd  within  the  fen ; 

The  weaned  child  his  hands  shall  lay 
Upon  the  cockatrice's  den : 

No  harm  in  all  my  mountains  found, 

And  earth  with  knowledge  shall  abound. 


ISAIAH,  TWENTY-FIFTH  CHAPTER. 

This  is  our  God  most  High, 
For  whom  we  have  waited  long ; 

He  rules  above  the  sky, 
The  cherub  hosts  among : 

And  gladly  join'd  in  heart  and  voice, 

In  his  salvation  we  rejoice. 

Him  we  exulting  praise, 

Whose  counsels  are  of  old ; 
Glorious  in  all  his  ways. 

His  wonders  we  behold: 
Exhaustless  source  cf  perfect  bliss, 
The  God  of  truth  and  faithfulness. 
A  people  great  and  strong, 

From  their  defenced  abode  ; 
With  full  harmonious  song, 

Shall  glorify  our  God  : 
The  separating  walls  shall  bow, 
And  distant  tribes  their  Lord  shall  know. 


171 


His  strength  alone  sustains 

The  needy  in  distress  ; 
Their  refuge  firm  remains, 

Where  storms  conflicting  press  : 
His  outspread  shadowing  cloud  is  made, 
In  summer's  sultry  heat,  a  shade. 

Where  plays  the  mountain  breeze, 

God  doth  a  feast  prepare, 
Of  wine  upon  the  lees, 

And  things  refined  and  rare . 
Where,  hearkening  to  the  Almighty's  call, 
Assembled  meet  the  nations  all. 


God  doth  the  veil  remove 
O'er  all  the  nations  spread ; 

And  from  the  realms  above 
Are  light  and  glory  shed : 

From  clime  to  clime  extends  his  sway, 

And  takes  his  saints'  reproach  away. 

To  worlds  unseen  do  we 

Extend  a  blissful  hope ; 
Where  death  in  victory 

Shall  soon  be  swallow'd  up  : 
Nor  place,  nor  minds,  nor  forms,  decay, 
And  God  will  wipe  all  tears  away. 


172  ISAIAH. 

In  that  auspicious  day, 

Exalted  on  his  throne, 
The  ransom'd  all  shall  say, 

"  This  is  our  God  alone :" 
And  those  who  waited,  Lord,  for  thee, 
With  joy  shall  thy  salvation  see. 


ISAIAH,  THIRTY-FIFTH  CHAPTER. 

In  that  auspicious,  glorious  day, 
The  barren  wilderness  shall  bloom  ; 

The  solitary  place  and  way 

Shall  yield  a  fragrant,  rich  perfume : 

The  desert  shall  new  songs  compose, 

And  blossom  as  the  opening  rose. 

With  great  rejoicing  they  shall  sing, 

And  blossom  most  abundantly ; 
Ev'n  Lebanon  shall  glory  bring, 

And  Carmel  its  excellency: 
Then  the  weak  hands  shall  strengthen'd  be, 
And  well  confirm'd  the  feeble  knee. 

Courage  let  fearful  hearts  assume, 
And  every  fear  be  banish'd  hence ; 

God  will  for  you  in  vengeance  come, 
Our  God  will  come  with  recompense : 

He  comes  to  save  you  by  his  word, 

Your  high,  your  great  redeeming  Lord. 


ISAIAH.  173 

The  blinded  eyes  new  light  shall  see, 
And  as  a  hart  the  lame  shall  bound  ; 

The  deafen'd  ears  unstopp'd  shall  be, 
The  dumb  shall  sweetest  praises  sound : 

Waters  shall  o'er  the  forests  lie, 

And  streams  the  deserts  shall  supply. 

Pools  shall  o'erflow  the  parched  ground, 
And  springs  the  thirsty  lands  shall  cheer ; 

And  where  fierce  dragons  did  abound, 
Shall  rushes,  reeds,  and  herbs  appear : 

The  Lord  shall,  in  that  glorious  day, 

Open  to  all  a  great  high  way. 

And  a  high  way  irshall  be  there, 

A  course  of  perfect  holiness ; 
Nothing  unclean  shall  then  impair 

The  heavenly  path  of  righteousness: 
Wayfaring  men,  those  freed  from  sin, 
Though  fools,  they  shall  not  err  therein. 

No  lion  shall  infest  this  ground, 
Nor  ravenous  beast  shall  go  thereon ; 

There  no  annoyance  shall  be  found, 
But  the  redeem'd  shall  walk  alone : 

Sweet  songs  shall  their  glad  tongues  employ, 

And  nothing  shall  molest  their  joy. 


174  ISAIAH. 

Then  shall  the  ransom'd  of  the  Lord 

To  Zion  all  return  again  ; 
And  sing  new  songs  with  sweet  accord, 

And  everlasting  bliss  obtain : 
Gladness  and  joy  shall  ne'er  decay, 

And  sighs  and  sorrows  flee  away. 


ISAIAH,  FORTIETH  CHAPTER. 

Comfort  my  people,  saith  the  Lord, 

Speak  to  Jerusalem  cheerfully  ; 
Say  that  her  peace  is  now  restored, 

And  pardon'd  her  iniquity. 
From  all  thy  sins  he  sets  thee  free, 
And  renders  double  unto  thee. 

The  voice  of  him  that  cries  "  prepare," 
Hear  in  the  wilderness  its  sound  ; 

Make  straight  your  paths,  for  God  is  near, 
For  him  let  an  high  way  be  found  : 

Each  valley  shall  exalted  be, 

Mountains  and  hills  shall  bow  to  thee. 

The  crooked  then  shall  straighten'd  be, 
The  rough  made  plain,  the  rocks  conceal'd  ; 

All  flesh  together  then  shall  see 
The  glory  of  the  Lord  reveal'd  : 


ISAIAH.  175 

The  mouth  of  God  doth  this  proclaim. 
Whose  word  is  changeless  as  his  name. 

The  voice  said,  "  Cry ;" — what  shall  I  cry  ? 

All  flesh  is  grass,  or  like  a  flower ; 
The  withering  grass  shall  fall  and  die, 

The  blossoms  fade,  to  bloom  no  more ; 
But  God's  eternal  word  is  sure, 
And  shall  eternally  endure. 

O  Zion,  that  good  tidings  brings, 
Get  thee  into  the  mountain  high ; 

Jerusalem,  who  rapturous  sings, 
Thy  voice  with  strength  lift  to  the  sky : 

Say  to  the  cities  all  abroad, 

Behold  your  great,  eternal  Lord  ! 

He  comes,  the  strong,  the  mighty  Lord, 
His  arm  o'er  all  obtains  the  sway ; 

Behold  with  him  his  great  reward, 
His  mighty  works  before  him  lay  : 

His  numerous  flocks  are  kindly  fed, 

The  lambs  are  in  his  bosom  laid. 

O'er  verdant  hills  he  tends  his  care, 

And  through  the  vales  and  flowery  meads ; 

The  feeble  his  attentions  share, 

And  those  with  young  he  gently  leads. 

And  should  devouring  wolves  appear, 

Our  all-protecting  Shepherd  's  near. 


176 


ISAIAH,  FIFTY-SECOND  CHAPTER. 

Zion,  put  on  thy  strength,  awake, 
Put  all  thy  beauteous  garments  on ; 

Jerusalem,  salvation  take, 
Thou  city  of  the  Holy  One ! 

In  thee,  henceforth,  no  more  are  seen 

The  uncircumcised  and  the  unclean. 

Shake  thee,  and  from  the  dust  arise, 

Jerusalem,  unloose  thy  cord  ; 
O  captive  daughter,  lift  thine  eyes, 

See  thy  Redeemer  and  thy  Lord ! 
And  as  ye  were  for  nothing  sold, 
Ye  are  redeem'd,  but  not  with  gold. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  mighty  God, 

Israel  to  Egypt  did  repair; 
On  him  the  vile  Assyrian  trod, 

While  he  was  a  sojourner  there ; 
And  without  cause  he  was  oppress'd, 
Till  God  appear'd  to  give  him  rest. 

And,  therefore,  what  doth  now  appear  ? 

My  folds  are  scatter'd  far  away  ! 
Rulers  oppress  them  everywhere, 

My  name  's  blasphemed  every  day : 
Yet  shall  my  people  know  my  name, 
For  I  the  l«ord  will  this  proclaim. 


177 


How  beauteous,  on  the  mountain's  brow, 
Their  feet,  who  joyful  tidings  bring; 

That  peace  to  every  nation  show, 
And  tidings  of  great  goodness  sing ! 

Salvation  their  glad  voice  sustains, 

Who  say,  Thy  God,  O  Zion,  reigns. 

Thy  watchmen  shall  lift  up  their  voice, 
Together  sing  in  sweet  accord, 

And  eye  to  eye  they  shall  rejoice, 
When  Zion  is  again  restored. 

Ye  wastes,  your  richest  songs  employ ; 

Jerusalem,  break  forth  in  joy ! 

The  Lord  hath  comforted  his  saints, 

Jerusalem  he  doth  restore ; 
His  arm  is  fearless  of  restraints ; 

All  nations  shall  our  God  adore  : 
Till  earth,  where'er  by  mortals  trod, 
See  the  salvation  of  our  God. 

Depart,  and  go  ye  out  from  thence  ; 

Let  nought  unclean  your  touch  impair ; 
Go  from  the  midst  of  her, — go  hence, 

Ye  that  do  holy  vessels  bear  : 
But  go  ye  not  with  haste  or  flight, 

For  Israel's  God  will  be  your  might. 

With  prudence  shall  my  servant  deal ; 
Exalted  and  extoll'd  is  he ; 
12 


178  ISAIAH. 

His  origin  he  will  reveal, 

And  many  shall  astonish'd  be  ; 
More  raarr'd  his  visage,  form,  and  face, 
Than  all  the  sons  of  Adam's  race. 

By  him  the  nations  sprinkled  are, 
Before  him  kings  their  mouths  shall  close; 

Things  not  yet  told  them  shall  appear, 
And  those  not  heard,  shall  break  repose. 

He  comes,  and  full  of  truth  and  grace, 

The  Saviour  of  the  human  race. 


ISAIAH,  FIFTY-THIRD  CHAPTER 

For  who  hath  our  report  believed  ? 

To  whom  hath  God  his  arm  reveal'd  ? 
He  shall  grow  up,  and  well  received, 

A  tender  plant  upon  the  field  ; 
Or  as  a  root  in  parched  ground, 
No  form,  no  comeliness  is  found. 

When  we  his  sacred  form  shall  view, 
His  beauty  we  shall  not  desire : 

Despised  and  much  neglected  too, 

While  sorrows  round  his  soul  conspire : 

And  though  acquainted  with  our  grief, 

Yet  we  withheld  from  him  relief. 


179 


From  him  we  did  our  faces  hide, 
And  when  despised,  esteem'd  him  not ; 

Surely  he  bare  our  griefs  beside, 
And  sorrows,  but  they  were  forgot. 

We  thought  him  stricken  by  the  rod, 

Afflicted  by  the  scourge  of  God. 

But  he  was  wounded  for  our  sin, 
Was  bruised  for  our  iniquity ; 

And  for  our  peace  chastised  within, 
His  stripes  heal'd  our  impurity : 

When  all  like  sheep  had  gone  astray, 

And  turn'd  each  one  to  his  own  way. 

The  Lord  upon  his  soul  hath  placed 

The  iniquity  of  us  all  ; 
Oppress'd,  afflicted,  and  disgraced, 

Yet  from  his  mouth  no  murmurings  fall 
Like  lambs  that  to  the  slaughter  come, 
Or  sheep,  before  their  shearers  dumb. 

From  prison  and  from  judgment  borne, 
Who  his  succession  shall  declare  ? 

From  living  men  cast  off  forlorn, 
Our  sins  he  doth  with  suffering  bear. 

His  grave  with  wicked  men  is  found, 

And  rich  men  place  him  in  the  ground. 


180  ISAIAH. 

For  he  no  violence  had  done, 

Nor  was  there  in  his  mouth  deceit ; 

Yet  did  it  please  the  Lord  alone, 
That  grief  and  sorrow  he  should  meet ; 

When  thou  shalt  make  his  soul  within, 

An  offering  for  a  world  of  sin. 

Then  shall  he  see  his  rising  seed; 

He  also  shall  prolong  his  days  ; 
The  pleasure  of  the  Lord  indeed, 

Shall  prosper  in  his  hands  and  ways  ; 
The  travail  of  his  soul  shall  see, 
And  fully  satisfied  shall  be. 

And  by  his  gracious  knowledge  here, 

Shall  many  souls  be  justified  ; 
For  he  will  their  transgressions  bear, 

And  all  their  iniquities  hide. 
His  name  shall  with  the  great  belong, 
And  share  his  triumphs  with  the  strong. 

Because  he  gave  his  soul  to  death, 

And  with  condemn'd  transgressors  bleeds  ; 

Our  sins  he  bow'd  himself  beneath, 
With  pain,  which  every  pain  exceeds. 

On  him  the  sins  of  all  were  laid  ; 

For  all,  he  intercession  made. 


181 


ISAIAH,  FIFTY-FOURTH  CHAPTER. 

Thou  barren,  sing,  who  didst  not  bear, 
Break  forth  in  songs  of  sweet  accord ; 

For  more  the  desolate  shall  share, 
Than  do  the  married,  saith  the  Lord  : 

Enlarge  thy  tent,  new  boundaries  make, 

Lengthen  thy  cords,  make  strong  each  stake. 

Thou  shalt  break  forth  on  every  hand, 
Thy  seed  the  Gentiles  shall  subdue  ; 

Thou  shalt  inherit  all  their  land, 
Their  cities  desolate  pass  through : 

Thither  thy  offspring  shall  repair, 

And  build  them  habitations  there. 

Fear  not,  nor  be  confounded  thou, 
Put  far  away  from  thee  all  shame  ; 

Forget  the  shame  thou  once  didst  know, 
And  the  reproaches  to  thy  name  : 

When  God  his  pleasure  shall  restore, 

A  widow  thou  shalt  be  no  more. 

Thy  Maker  shall  thy  husband  be, 
The  Lord,  the  Lord  of  hosts  his  name ; 

The  holy  One  of  Israel  he, 

Thou  art  thy  great  Redeemer's  claim  : 

The  God  of  the  whole  earth  abroad, 

Heaven's  great  supreme,  eternal  Lord. 


182  ISAIAH. 

The  Lord  himself  hath  call'd  for  thee, 
Forsaken,  and  in  spirit  grieved  ; 

In  thee  a  wife  of  youth  didst  see, 
Refused,  rejected,  and  bereaved : 

And  thou  whom  1  forsook  before, 

With  mercy  I  will  now  restore. 

In  anger  I  conceal'd  my  face, 

And  for  a  moment  hid  from  thee  ; 

With  kind  and  everlasting  grace, 
I  will  thy  great  Redeemer  be  : 

As  Noah's  watery  flood  is  o'er, 

So  I  will  be  displeased  no  more. 

Mountains  may  separate  and  flee, 
And  the  surrounding  hills  remove ; 

Yet  I  will  not  depart  from  thee, 
Neither  withhold  my  kindest  love  : 

My  covenant  shall  be  restored, 

My  peace  and  mercy,  saith  the  Lord. 

O,  thou  afflicted,  tempest-torn, 

And  none  to  comfort  thee  is  found  ; 

With  beauteous  stones  I  will  adorn, 
And  lay  with  sapphires  all  thy  ground  : 

Agates  thy  windows  shall  supply, 

Gems  shall  in  all  thy  borders  be. 


183 


God  shall  thy  children  teach  and  bless, 
And  great  indeed  shall  be  their  peace ; 

Establish'd  firm  in  righteousness, 
And  all  oppression  then  shall  cease : 

Neither  shall  they  indulge  a  fear, 

And  terror,  it  shall  not  come  near, 

Many  may  gather  against  thee, 
But  they  shall  surely  prostrate  fall ; 

As  they  assembled  not  by  me, 
Therefore  they  shall  not  thee  enthral : 

Their  workmen  are  in  my  employ, 

Their  instruments  I  will  destroy. 

No  weapon  form'd  shall  prosperous  be, 
No  tongue  successfully  shall  rise  ; 

No  condemnation  thou  shalt  see, 
Nor  judgment  even  in  disguise: 

To  saints  this  shall  be  their  reward, 

Whose  righteousness  is  of  the  Lord. 


ISAIAH,  FIFTY-FIFTH  CHAPTER. 

Ye  thirsty  souls,  draw  near, 
Come  where  the  fountains  rise ; 

Around  heaven's  plenteous  board  appear, 
Eat,  drink,  without  a  price. 


184  ISAIAH. 

Why  do  ye  money  spend 
For  that  which  is  not  bread  ? 

Your  toils  and  labours  why  extend, 
And  still  remain  unfed  ? 

Come,  hearken  unto  me, 
Partake  of  what  is  good  ; 

And  let  your  souls  delighted  be, 
And  satisfied  with  food. 

Incline  and  come  to  me, 

Hear,  and  your  souls  shall  live : 
My  never-changing  covenant  see, 

And  mercies  which  I  give. 

Even  David's  mercies  sure, 
Which  once  to  him  were  given, 

Through  him  as  witness,  I  assure 
A  passport  safe  to  heaven. 

And  nations  thou  knew  not, 
And  those  who  knew  not  thee, 

They  shall  not  always  be  forgot, 
But  run  thy  joys  to  see. 

Because  of  thy  great  Lord, 
Israel's  Holy  One  is  he ;     - 

The  mighty  God  by  all  adored, 
Who  glorified  thee. 


185 


Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  here, 
Or  when  he  may  be  found  ; 

And  call  upon  him  while  he 's  near, 
In  humble  prayers  abound. 

Let  sinners  leave  their  way, 
Th'  unrighteous  man  his  thought ; 

And  turn  unto  the  Lord  this  day, 
While  grace  can  yet  be  sought. 

God  will  his  mercies  give, 
Pardon  and  goodness  show ; 

The  Lord,  in  whom  we  move  and  live, 
Will  plenteous  grace  bestow. 

Far,  far  his  thoughts  ascend 

Above  our  feeble  mind ; 
His  ways  abundantly  transcend, 

All  human  powers  combined. 

As  heaven  and  all  the  sky 
Exceeds  where  now  we  dwell  ; 

So  do  the  ways  of  the  Most  High, 
Our  utmost  thoughts  excel. 

As  rain  and  snow  descend, 

And  ne'er  return  again ; 
But  makes  the  fruitful  buds  extend 

With  fruits  and  plenteous  grain. 


186  ISAIAH. 

Thus  shall  succeed  my  word, 
That  goeth  forth  from  me  ; 

It  shall  the  labourer's  toil  reward, 
And  yield  abundantly. 

It  shall  accomplish  well 

The  things  which  I  shall  please  ; 
Shall  prosper  fully,  and  excel 

With  an  enlarged  increase. 

Ye  shall  go  out  with  joy, 

Shall  be  led  forth  with  peace ; 

Mountains  and  hills  their  songs  employ, 
And  gladness  waves  the  trees. 

The  groves  shall  all  rejoice, 
And  deserts  clap  their  hands  ; 

The  fields  lift  up  their  cheerful  voice, 
And  triumph  all  the  lands. 

Instead  of  prickly  thorn, 
The  fir-tree  shall  be  found  ; 

And  where  the  brier  was  seen  forlorn, 
Do  myrtle-trees  abound. 

This  is  to  God  a  name, 

An  everlasting  sign; 
And  changeless  it  shall  be  the  same, 

While  suns  and  spheres  shall  shine. 


ISAIAH.  187 

ISAIAH,  FIFTY-EIGHTH  CHAPTER 

Zion,  lift  up  thy  trumpet  sound, 
My  people  their  transgressions  show ; 

Spare  not,  but  let  thy  voice  rebound, 
Let  Jacob  his  offences  know. 

They  seek  me  daily,  and  profess, 

Like  those  who  love  my  righteousness. 

My  institutions  they  desire, 

And  with  delight  approached  me : 

Why  have  we  fasted  ?  they  inquire, 
And  thou  didst  not  our  service  see  ? 

Why,  Lord,  are  we  afflicted  thus, 

And  thou  hast  no  delight  in  us  ? 

Ye  in  your  fasts  your  pleasures  find, 

Exacting  your  accustom'd  toil  ; 
In  strife  and  fierce  debates  combined, 

And  wickedness  your  hands  embroil  ; 
Ye  smite,  and  voices  loud  display, 
As  ye  observe  this  present  day. 

Is  this  the  fast  that  I  approve, 
In  which  a  man  afflicts  his  soul  ? 

Bow'd  like  a  bulrush,  or  to  move 
Beneath  the  sackcloth's  dread  control  ? 

Is  this  a  fast,  in  deed  and  word  ? 

A  day  accepted  of  the  Lord  ? 


188  ISAIAH. 

Unloose  the  bands  of  wickedness, 
Undo  the  heavy  burdens  all ; 

All  the  oppress'd  with  freedom  bless, 
Break  off  the  yoke  which  these  enthral; 

Your  bread  unto  the  hungry  deal, 

And  let  the  poor  your  bounties  feel. 

When  thou  the  hungry  poor  shalt  feed, 
A  garment  o'er  the  naked  spread, 

And  be  to  them  a  friend  indeed, 
And  let  them  to  thy  house  be  led : 

Then  shall  thy  light  upon  thee  rise, 

More  beauteous  than  the  morning  skies. 

Thy  health  shall  spring  forth  speedily, 
And  righteousness  shall  lead  the  way ; 

The  glory  of  the  Lord  round  thee 
Shall  shed  its  bright  and  purest  ray. 

Then  shalt  thou  call  to  the  Most  High, 

And  he  will  answer,  "  Here  am  I." 

If  thou  the  oppressive  yoke  shalt  move, 
From  pride  and  vanity  refrain, 

Thy  kindness  to  the  hungry  prove, 
The  afflicted  soul  with  care  sustain  ; 

Then  shall  thy  night  be  changed  to  day, 

Thy  darkness  to  the  noontide  ray. 


ISAIAH.  189 

The  Lord  shall  be  a  guide  to  thee, 
Thy  soul  in  drought  shall  satisfy ; 

With  fat,  thy  bones  shall  eover'd  be, 
Like  gardens  which  the  streams  supply, 

Or  springs  whose  waters  never  fail  ; 

At  which  the  thirsty  shall  regale. 

The  old  foundations  thou  shalt  rear, 
The  ancient  wastes  shall  be  no  more ; 

Thou  shalt  indeed  the  breach  repair, 
The  paths  to  dwell  in  shalt  restore ; 

If  thou  thy  foot  wilt  turn  away, 

From  pleasure  on  my  holy  day. 

If  thou  shalt  call  it  a  delight, 

The  Holy  of  the  Lord  regard, 
And  honour  him  both  day  and  night, 

And  every  evil  way  discard  ; 
Nor  thine  own  pleasures  seek  to  find, 
And  in  thy  words  be  true  and  kind  ; 

In  God  shalt  thou  delight  indeed, 
On  earth's  high  places  thou  shalt  ride. 

And  on  that  heritage  shalt  feed, 
God  for  thy  fathers  did  provide  ; 

And  this  shall  be  confirm'd  to  thee, 

By  him  who  fills  immensity. 


190  ISAIAH. 

ISAIAH,  SIXTIETH  CHAPTER. 

Zion,  arise  !  thy  light  is  come  ; 

Behold  the  glory  of  the  Lord  ! 
Though  earth  itself  may  dark  become, 

And  grossly  dark  the  tribes  abroad  ; 
The  Lord  shall  o'er  thy  lands  arise, 
With  all  the  grandeur  of  the  skies. 

Gentiles  shall  come  unto  thy  light, 
Kings  to  thy  rising  shall  draw  near  ; 

Lift  up  thine  eyes,  extend  thy  sight, 
See  them  assembling  everywhere : 

Thy  sons  from  far  shall  gather'd  be, 

Thy  daughters  shall  be  nursed  by  thee. 

Like  streams  together  they  shall  flow, 
And  all  thy  bounds  will  God  enlarge  ; 

Gentiles  shall  their  Redeemer  know. 
And  seas  their  treasures  shall  discharge ; 

Beasts,  gold,  and  incense,  they  shall  bring, 

And  praises  to  the  Lord  shall  sing. 

All  Kedar's  flocks  shall  gather'd  be, 
Their  sheep  shall  on  thine  altars  lie  ; 

Their  folds  shall  minister  to  thee, 
When  God  his  house  shall  glorify  : 

And  who  are  those  like  clouds  that  fly, 

Or  doves,  that  on  the  wing  pass  by  ? 


ISAIAH.  191 

ISAIAH,  SIXTY-FIRST  CHAPTER. 

The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  doth  rest 

An  heavenly  flame  within  my  breast ; 

To  preach  good  tidings  to  the  meek, 

And  all  the  broken-hearted  seek ; 

To  give  the  captives  liberty, 

And  loose,  and  set  the  prisoners  free. 

The  year  acceptable  proclaim, 
The  day  of  vengeance  also  name ; 
To  comfort  all  that  humbly  mourn, 
With  beauty  every  soul  adorn ; 
With  sweet  anointing  oil  to  bless, 
And  praise  exchange  for  heaviness. 

Israel  shall  his  own  bounds  possess, 
Call'd  as  the  trees  of  righteousness  ; 
The  planting  of  the  Lord  Most  High, 
The  Lord  alone  to  glorify  ; 
The  old  waste  places  to  repair, 
And  former  desolations  rear. 

Strangers  shall  stand  your  flocks  to  feed, 
Aliens  shall  plough  and  sow  your  seed  ; 
Ye  shall  the  priests  of  God  be  call'd, 
His  holy  ministers  enstall'd  ; 
The  Gentiles'  riches  ye  shall  eat, 
And  in  their  glory  stand  complete. 


192  ISAIAH. 

ISAIAH,  SIXTY-SECOND  CHAPTER. 

For  Zion's  sake  I  will  not  rest, 
Nor  will  I  even  hold  my  peace, 

Until  Jerusalem  be  blest, 
And  all  her  toils  and  conflicts  cease ; 

Till  righteousness  all  souls  inspire, 

And  her  salvation  burns  like  fire. 

Gentiles  thy  righteousness  shall  claim, 
And  all  the  kings  thy  glory  see ; 

Thou  shalt  be  call'd  by  a  new  name, 
The  Lord  himself  shall  give  to  thee ; 

Thou  art  his  crown  and  glorious  gem, 

His  new  and  royal  diadem. 

Forsaken  thou  shalt  be  no  more, 
Nor  shall  thy  land  be  desolate ; 

God  shall  his  full  delights  restore, 
Beulah  shall  be  thy  happy  state : 

The  Lord  shall  then  delight  o'er  thee, 

And  thou  to  him  shalt  married  be. 

As  youths  to  virgins  are  allied, 
Thou  and  thy  sons  shall  join  as  one  ; 

And  as  the  bridegroom  loves  his  bride, 
God  will  rejoice  o'er  thee  alone: 

On  all  thy  walls  shall  watchmen  stay, 

That  keep  not  silence  night  nor  day. 


ISAIAH.  193 

Ye  that  make  mention  of  the  Lord, 
Give  him  no  rest,  your  voices  raise, 

Till  he  establish  by  his  word, 
And  make  Jerusalem  a  praise : 

To  all  earth's  wide-extended  bound, 

Let  praise  reverberating  sound. 

The  Lord  hath  sworn  by  his  right  hand, 
And  by  his  strength  and  mighty  arm ; 

Thy  foes  no  more  shall  spoil  thy  land, 
Neither  shall  strangers  do  thee  harm : 

Thyself,  and  those  thou  shalt  employ, 

Together  shall  your  fruits  enjoy. 

They  who  have  labour'd  much,  shall  eat, 
And  those  who  gather'd,  praise  the  Lord ; 

Together  in  thy  courts  they  meet, 
And  there  enjoy  their  blest  reward  : 

Go  through  the  gates,  a  way  prepare, 

A  standard  for  the  people  rear. 

The  Lord  shall  o'er  the  world  proclaim, 

To  Zion  is  salvation  near; 
My  great  reward  is  still  the  same, 

My  work  before  me  shall  appear ; 
Thou  art  sought  out,  an  holy  seed, 
Redeem'd  of  God,  and  saved  indeed. 
13 


194  HABAKKUK. 

HABAKKUK,  THIRD  CHAPTER 

I  HEARD  with  awe  thy  speech,  O  Lord, 
And  trembled  greatly  with  thy  fear  ; 

Revive  thy  gracious  work  abroad, 
O  let  thy  mercy  now  appear  : 

Our  varied  years  with  goodness  crown, 

In  wrath  make  all  thy  mercies  known. 

God  from  the  brow  of  Teman  came, 
The  Holy  One  from  Paran's  height ; 

His  glory  all  the  heavens  inflame, 
Earth  gazed  transported  at  the  sight : 

His  light  with  glorious  brightness  shone, 

His  hand  contain'd  a  power  unknown. 

The  pestilence  before  him  flew, 

And  fierce  and  burning  coals  of  fire  ; 

His  measure  o'er  the  earth  he  drew, 
Nations  were  sunder'd  by  his  ire : 

The  everlasting  mountains  fled, 

Each  hill  perpetual  bow'd  its  head. 

Cushan  in  deep  affliction  lay, 

And  fearful  Midian  trembling  stands  ; 

The  rivers  at  thy  bidding  stay, 
The  seas  obey  thy  high  commands : 

When  thou  didst  drive  thy  steeds  afar, 

Salvation  was  thy  flaming  car. 


HABAKKUK.  195 

Thy  bow  was  from  its  case  relieved, 

As  all  thine  oaths  to  us  appear  ; 
With  rivers  earth's  vast  bounds  were  cleaved, 

Mountains  did  shake  thy  voice  to  hear : 
The  overflowing  deep  pass'd  by, 
Seas  raised  their  deafening  roar  on  high. 

The  sun  and  moon  in  bright  attire, 
Did  motionless  in  heaven  appear ; 

Until  thine  arrows  flew  like  fire, 
And  they  beheld  thy  glittering  spear : 

Indignant  thou  marched  o'er  the  lands, 

And  thresh 'd  in  wrath  the  heathen  bands. 

For  our  salvation  thou  art  found, 
Which  thine  anointed  all  shall  share  ,• 

The  heads  of  wickedness  didst  wound, 
And  laid  their  false  foundations  bare : 

Thy  stroke  their  villages  pass'd  o'er, 

Their  princes  fell  to  rise  no  more. 

They  came  like  winds  to  scatter  me, 
Pleased  if  the  poor  they  could  devour ; 

But  thou  pass'd  through  the  raging  sea, 
And  the  heap'd  waters  saw  thy  power : 

My  bones  stood  trembling  at  the  : 

My  lips  they  quiver'd  at  thy  voice. 


196  MATTHEW. 

Although  the  fig-trees  bloom  no  more, 
The  vines  shall  fail  their  fruits  to  yield  ; 

The  olive-trees  no  oil  shall  pour, 
No  meat  is  gather'd  from  the  field : 

Flocks  from  the  vales  shall  disappear, 

The  stalls  no  lowing  herd  do  rear : 

Yet  in  the  Lord  will  I  rejoice, 
The  God  of  my  salvation  bless ; 

To  him  my  strength  I  '11  lift  my  voice, 
My  Lord,  my  God,  and  righteousness : 

My  feet  shall  like  the  hinds  be  made, 

On  my  high  places  I. shall  tread. 


MATTHEW,  FIFTH  CHAPTER. 

How  bless'd  the  poor  in  spirit  are, 
For  whom  the  Almighty  doth  prepare 

A  kingdom  ne'er  to  move : 
And  happy  are  the  souls  that  mourn, 
They  never  shall  be  left  forlorn, 

But  comforted  with  love. 

Happy  the  meek,  (how  vast  their  worth,) 
For  they  alone  inherit  earth, 

On  God  do  they  rely : 
The  hungry  souls  the  Lord  shall  bless, 
And  those  that  thirst  for  righteousness, 

Obtain  a  full  supply. 


FIRST    CORINTHIANS. 

Mercy  to  all  its  sons  is  free, 

The  pure  in  heart  their  God  shall  see, 

And  dwell  before  his  throne  : 
The  fond  of  peace  have  their  reward, 
Are  call'd  the  children  of  the  Lord, 

And  worship  him  alone. 

The  Lord  himself  those  souls  will  bless, 
Who  surfer  for  his  righteousness : 

They  shall  his  kingdom  see : 
Though  wicked  men  revile  their  name, 
And  cast  on  them  disgrace  and  shame, 

Heaven  shall  their  portion  be. 

Rejoice,  for  this  to  you  is  given, 
For  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven, 

Where  all  your  fathers  are : 
The  prophets,  who  endured  the  cross, 
Who  counted  earthly  things  but  dross, 

The  crown  of  life  to  share. 


FIRST  CORINTHIANS,  THIRTEENTH 
CHAPTER. 

What  though  that  gift  to  me  belongs, 
To  speak  with  men  and  angels'  tongues  ? 
Yet  I  am  like  some  empty  sound, 
When  no  true  charity  is  found. 


198  FIRST    CORINTHIANS. 

What  though  I  have  all  prophecies, 
And  understand  all  mysteries  ; 
And  faith  the  mountains  to  remove, 
I  nothing  am  devoid  of  love. 

Though  to  the  poor  my  goods  bestow, 
And  to  the  flames  my  body  throw ; 
Yet  this  will  never  profit  me, 
If  I  possess  not  charity. 

Love  suffereth  long,  is  also  kind, 
It  envieth  not,  nor  vaunts  the  mind ; 
And  no  unseemly  acts  betrays, 
And  never  seeketh  her  own  praise. 

Is  not  provoked  easily, 
From  every  evil  thought  is  free  ; 
It  never  does  rejoice  o'er  sin, 
But  for  the  truth  is  pleased  within. 

It  bears,  believes,  hopes,  and  endures, 
And  out  of  all  things  some  secures; 
Whatever  may,  or  not  prevail, 
True  charity  can  never  fail. 

Predictions  fail,  and  tongues  decay, 
And  knowledge  vanishes  away  ; 
Only  in  part  we  act  and  see, 
Till  all  things  shall  more  perfect  be. 


THE    GOD    OF    ISRAEL.  199 

When  young,  I  understood  as  young, 

And  thought,  and  spake,  with  child-like  tongue ; 

To  manhood  when  I  did  attain, 

From  childish  things  I  did  refrain. 

Now  through  a  glass  we  darkly  see, 
Then  face  to  face  we  all  shall  be ; 
Here  things  in  part  are  only  shown, 
Then  shall  I  know  as  I  am  known. 

And  now  abide  these  graces  three, 
Faith,  hope,  and  perfect  charity  ; 
On  earth,  or  in  the  realms  above, 
The  greatest  of  these  three  is  love. 


THE 

GOD    OF   ISRAEL. 


Hail  !  Jacob's  God,  and  sovereign  Lord, 
Who  fbrm'd  creation  by  his  word  ; 
Who  spread  illimitable  space, 
And  gave  the  orbs  and  spheres  their  place. 
His  powerful  word  gave  nature  birth, 
And  fill'd  the  sea  and  raised  the  earth, 
And  bade  all  moving  things  prepare, 
And  build  them  habitations  there. 


200  THE    GOD    OF    ISRAEL. 

He  offer'd  Abraham  and  his  race, 
Peculiar  promises  and  grace  ; 
And  bless'd  and  bade  them  multiply, 
Like  stars  unnumber'd  in  the  sky. 
Th'  Eternal  God,  the  Holy  One ! 
Claim'd  Israel  as  his  first-born  son ; 
And  heaven  its  bounties  did  prepare, 
To  furnish  all  his  tribes  a  share. 

The  patriarch  on  the  pillow'd  stone, 
Reposing  lay,  but  not  alone ; 
His  God  was  there  ;  the  same  is  mine, 
With  all  the  attendant  hosts  divine. 
The  verdant  grove  in  which  he  bow'd, 
Was  fill'd  with  glory  and  with  God ; 
And  he  pronounced  that  blissful  state, 
"  The  house  of  God  and  heaven's  gate." 

Look  up,  my  soul,  the  Lord  is  here, 
He  comes  thy  hope  of  heaven  to  cheer  ; 
Thy  love  to  warm,  thy  wounds  to  heal, 
And  all  his  kindness  to  reveal. 
He  comes  his  goodness  to  display, 
And  wash  and  cleanse  thy  sins  away; 
Thy  passions  and  thy  powers  to  bless 
With  all  the  charms  of  holiness. 

'Tis  Israel's  God,  the  King  of  kings, 
Whose  hands  are  fill'd  with  precious  things 


THE    GOD    OF    ISRAEL.  201 

And  these  he  doth  delight  to  spread 
Within  thy  heart  and  round  thy  head. 
He  comes  his  promise  to  fulfil, 
To  keep  thee  safe  from  every  ill ; 
His  love  and  power,  whate'er  prevail, 
To  thee  shall  never,  never  fail. 

He  bids  the  high,  angelic  band, 
About  thy  habitation  stand ; 
And  with  a  kind  attentive  eye, 
Preserves  thee  when  the  foe  is  nigh. 
Near  thee  those  heavenly  courtiers  are, 
When  thou  art  call'd  the  cross  to  bear ; 
Regardful  of  the  softest  sigh, 
Or  silent  tear  that  fills  the  eye. 

When  night's  dark  pall  o'er  earth  is  spread, 
And  thou  art  slumbering  on  thy  bed, 
God  doth  thy  wearied  eyelids  close, 
And  gives  thee  calm  and  sweet  repose. 
Thy  daily  wants  he  doth  supply 
From  his  exhaustless  store  on  high ; 
And  with  a  liberal  hand,  doth  give 
Those  gifts  on  which  his  people  live. 

Praise  him,  my  soul,  whose  hand  bestows 
The  blessings  which  thy  cup  o'erflows  ; 
His  goodness  doth  profusely  spread 
Thy  table  o'er  with  living  bread. 


202  THE    GOD    OF    ISRAEL. 

But  O !  that  gift  of  all  the  rest, 
The  greatest,  brightest,  and  the  best ; 
A  Saviour  to  the  world  bestow'd, 
To  show  the  wond'rous  love  of  God. 

He  that  was  rich,  forsook  his  throne, 
That  for  our  sins  he  might  atone  ; 
And  died  for  all  who  died  for  me. 
Upon  the  cross  on  Calvary. 
And  now  behold  from  Calvary's  top, 
The  path  to  glory  lighted  up ; 
A  heavenly  beam  illumes  the  way 
That  leads  to  everlasting  day. 

The  Spirit  issues  from  the  throne, 
From  God  the  Great  and  Holy  One  ; 
And  lo !  it  comes  mankind  to  bless, 
With  pardoning  love  and  holiness. 
Behold  !  the  influence  of  his  love, 
Descending  from  the  courts  above ; 
Its  holy,  pure,  and  kindling  fire, 
All  souls  illume,  all  hearts  inspire. 

It  comes  the  gloom  of  night  to  cheer, 
To  make  the  rising  day  more  clear  ; 
Mankind  to  endless  life  restore, 
That  they  may  live  and  die  no  more. 
It  comes  with  all  the  love  of  God, 
To  shed  in  faithful  souls  abroad  ; 


THE    GOD   OF    ISRAEL.  203 

To  cleanse  them  from  their  guilt  and  sin, 
And  purify  their  powers  within. 

It  grants  the  prisoners  liberty, 
And  bids  the  oppress'd  and  bound  go  free ; 
The  blind  restores,  the  dumb  relieves, 
And  soundness  to  the  wounded  gives  ; 
It  shows  an  high  and  holy  way, 
Leading  to  realms  of  endless  day  ; 
Where  all  the  ransom'd  tribes  repair, 
And  raise  their  songs  of  triumph  there. 

The  spirit  of  Eternal  Power 
Aids  us  the  Saviour  to  adore ; 
Confirms  our  faith,  our  hope  improves, 
And  every  anxious  fear  removes. 
Its  influence,  when  profusely  given, 
Makes  earth  a  miniature  of  heaven  ; 
And  souls  are  made  the  blest  abode 
Of  glory,  and  the  Eternal  God. 

It  well  matures  each  gift  and  grace, 
And  cheers  each  circumstance  and  place ; 
It  soothes  our  grief  when  ills  annoy, 
With  pure  delight  and  perfect  joy. 
Happy  the  soul  which,  day  by  day, 
Enjoys  the  Spirit's  full  display  ; 
The  rich  and  free  effusion  given, 
Fresh  from  the  open'd  courts  of  heaven. 


204  THE    GOD    OF    ISRAEL. 

Happy  indeed  that  favour'd  breast, 
Which  is  by  inspiration  blest  ; 
That  feels  the  power  of  perfect  love 
All  fear  and  dread  of  death  remove  ; 
That  peaceful  heart  that  knows  most  clear, 
The  spirit  bearing  witness  there  ; 
The  sacred  pledge  and  earnest  given, 
Of  its  inheritance  in  heaven. 

Cheer  up,  my  soul,  dispel  thy  fear, 
See  thy  redemption  drawing  near ; 
Time's  trembling  sands  will  soon  be  run, 
And  all  thy  toils  forever  done ; 
See  Heaven's  bright  mansions  now  appear, 
The  blood- wash'd  hosts  assembled  there ; 
Abraham  and  all  his  sons  are  found, 
With  pure  celestial  glory  crown'd. 

And  see  what  crowded  myriads  stand, 
Waving  to  thee  a  welcome  hand ; 
Their  anthems  and  their  gestures  say, 
Brother,  arise,  and  come  away ; 
Ah!  Lord,  how  readily  would  I 
Join  those  blest  armies  of  the  sky ; 
Tuning  my  minstrelsy,  to  raise 
Sweet  hymns  of  holy,  heavenly  praise. 

Kindles  my  soul  in  view  of  this, 
An  entrance  to  immortal  bliss; 


the  lord's  prayer.  205 

My  heart  inhales  a  sacred  fire, 
That  none  but  Jesus  could  inspire  ; 
Jesus,  to  thee  all  praise  1 11  give, 
For  thee  alone  I  love  to  live  ; 
And  while  upon  the  earth  I  move, 
It  is  enough  to  feel  thy  love. 

Assured  of  this,  if  thou  love  me, 
Thy  brightest  glory  I  shall  see ; 
Nor  life,  nor  death,  nor  time,  nor  space, 
Shall  separate  me  from  that  place, 
Then  patiently  will  I  stand  still, 
And  see  thy  purposes  fulfil ; 
And  O,  my  Lord,  preserve  me  blest, 
Till  call'd  to  my  eternal  rest. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

God  as  our  Father  we  proclaim, 
The  heavens  are  thine  abode  ; 

All  hallow'd  be  thy  holy  name, 
Thou  gracious,  kind,  and  good. 

Thy  kingdom,  as  the  noonday  sun, 
Wide  o'er  the  world  be  given ; 

Thy  will  in  all  the  earth  be  done, 
As  it  is  done  in  heaven. 


206 


And  while  permitted  here  to  live, 

Our  daily  bread  bestow  ; 
And  all  our  trespasses  forgive, 

As  we  forgiveness  show. 

Lead  us  not  into  trials,  which 

Thy  servants  cannot  bear ; 
But  send  delivering  grace  to  each, 

As  evils  do  appear. 

Thine  is  the  kingdom  full  of  love, 
And  joy,  and  righteousness  ; 

And  thine  the  power  which,  from  above, 
Brings  everlasting  bliss. 

Thine  shall  the  glory  also  be, 
While  endless  years  endure  ; 

And  we  will  sing  sweet  hymns  to  thee, 
Both  now  and  evermore. 


HYMN. 


Great  eternal  Deity, 
Shed,  O  shed  thy  light  on  me ; 
Banish  all  the  clouds  of  sin, 
Bring  thy  heavenly  kingdom  in. 
All  thy  glorious  graces  bind, 
Like  a  breast-plate,  on  my  mind ; 
Seal  me  for  the  courts  above, 
With  thy  signature  of  love 


HYMN.  207 

With  the  beauties  of  thy  grace, 
Make  my  soul  thy  dwelling  place ; 
All  my  thoughts  and  powers  inspire, 
With  the  pure  celestial  fire. 

Nothing  I  desire  to  know, 
While  an  exile  here  below, 
But  the  purest  love  of  God, 
Shed  within  my  heart  abroad. 

From  the  least  remains  of  sin, 
Cleanse,  and  then  preserve  me  clean ; 
Let  that  perfect  mould  be  given, 
Suited  to  the  courts  of  heaven. 

Full  communion  let  me  share, 
With  thy  saints  their  crosses  bear ; 
In  thy  light  supremely  shine, 
Holy,  heavenly,  and  divine. 

Deep  within  my  heart  and  mind, 
Let  the  graces  be  enshrined  ; 
Unbelief  and  fear  remove, 
With  thy  brightness  from  above. 

As  the  magnet  of  my  soul, 
Let  thy  love  have  full  control  ; 
Bow  my  will,  and  let  it  be 
Given  entirely  up  to  thee. 


208  HYMN. 

More  and  more  may  love  increase, 
With  the  mildest  beams  of  peace ; 
With  the  sweetest  charity, 
Patience  and  humility. 

Give  that  faith  that  mounts  on  high, 
And  a  cloudless  single  eye  ; 
With  a  hope  improved  by  love, 
Anchor'd  in  the  courts  above. 


Where,  in  realms  of  endless  joy, 
All  my  powers  shall  find  employ ; 
Praising,  with  the  heavenly  host, 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 


(  209  ) 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 


MARRIAGE  OF  CANA  IN  GALILEE. 

The  Lord  a  marriage  feast  did  grace, 

In  ancient  Galilee ; 
His  gracious  presence  filled  the  place, 

With  heavenly  majesty. 

The  company  seemed  unapprized 

Who  mingled  as  a  guest  ; 
Till  he  with  goodness  undisguised, 

The  festival  had  blest. 

The  wine  had  failed,  the  festive  band 

Its  pleasures  were  denied ; 
When  Jesus  bid  them  vessels  stand, 

With  water  well  supplied. 

Six  pots,  three  firkins  each,  of  stone, 

Were  thus  prepared  for  him ; 
And  every  vessel  stood  alone, 

Full  flowing  to  the  brim. 
14 


210  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

He  spake :  the  conscious  water  heard, 
And,  awed  by  power  divine, 

Obey'd  with  reverence  its  Lord, 
And  changed  itself  to  wine. 

Then  to  the  ruler  of  the  fea9t, 
The  beverage  straight  they  bear ; 

And  he,  the  new-made  wine  did  taste, 
And  thus  he  did  declare. 

"  Bridegrooms  at  first  do  give  the  best, 

Till  all  the  good  is  past  ; 
But  thou  hast  kept  to  give  each  guest, 

The  better  wine  at  last" 

This  first  of  miracles  the  Lord 

In  Cana  did  display ; 
And  shed  his  glory  thence  abroad, 

On  his  illustrious  way 


BREAKING  OF  FIVE  LOAVES  AND 
TWO  FISHES. 

The  Lord  did  his  disciples  call, 
And  gave  to  each  the  bread; 

And  on  the  grass  he  seated  all, 
And  bid  them  there  be  fed. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  211 

With  five  small  loaves  his  hands  supply, 
Five  thousand  gathered  round ; 

And  two  small  fishes  placed  thereby, 
Caused  plenty  to  abound. 

All  eat,  were  filled,  and  satisfied, 

And  still  there  did  remain; 
Twelve  flowing  baskets  full  beside 

Of  fragments  they  obtain. 

Thus  hungry  multitudes,  the  Lord, 

Doth  sumptuously  feed; 
They  also  feast  upon  his  word, 

And  filled  they  are  indeed. 

And  millions  more,  the  Lord  again, 

Upon  the  green  sward  spread ; 
Or  in  the  shady  groves  remain, 

Shall  on  his  word  be  fed. 


BETHESDA'S  POOL. 

Near  to  Bethesda's  Pool  there  lay 
The  impotent  and  lame  ; 

To  move  the  pool,  traditions  say, 
From  heaven  an  angel  came. 


212  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

Then  when  the  waters  troubled  were, 
He  that  first  stepped  therein  ; 

Was  healed  of  what  disease  he  bare, 
However  deep  within. 

Some  eight  and  thirty  years  had  lain, 

In  painful  sorrows  bound, 
One,  who  had  sought  relief  in  vain, 

But  no  relief  had  found. 

Jesus  passed  by,  and  saw  him  lay 

With  anguish  in  his  soul ; 
And  his  compassion  to  display, 

Said,  "  wilt  thou  be  made  whole  ? 

"  Arise,  take  up  thy  bed,  depart !" 
His  limbs  stretched  unconfined  ; 

An  heavenly  impulse  warmed  his  heart, 
And  power  divine  his  mind. 

At  once  he  rose,  took  up  his  bed, 
Ah !  'twas  a  beauteous  sight ; 

The  tidings  of  his  cure  he  spread, 
With  an  intense  delight 

But  hapless  for  his  Lord,  and  he, 

It  was  the  Sabbath  day  ; 
And  Jews  perverse  demurred  to  see, 

So  glorious  a  display. 


MISCELLANEOUS   PIECES.  213 

Ah,  bigotry,  thou  couldst  not  greet 

So  heavenly  a  design  ; 
And  with  a  cheerful  welcome,  meet 

An  instance  so  divine. 

But  myriads  will  extend  his  fame, 

His  healing  power  adore ; 
Transported  with  the  Saviour's  name, 

Redeemed  for  ever  more. 

Jesus  now  answering,  claimed  to  show 

Example  from  the  throne ; 
"  My  FATHER  worketh  hitherto, 

And  HE  and  I  are  one." 

My  FATHER  loves  me,  and  bestows 

All  power  upon  his  son  ; 
All  judgment,  and  all  honour  shows 

In  all  that  I  have  done. 

They  that  believe  in  me  their  head, 

Shall  endless  life  obtain ; 
And  they  that  hear  my  voice,  though  dead, 

Shall  rise  to  live  again. 

All  in  the  graves  my  voice  shall  hear, 

The  good  to  heaven  shall  rise  ; 
But  wicked  men  shall  have  their  share, 

Where  the  worm  never  dies. 


214  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

To  me  authority  is  given, 

But  marvel  not  at  this; 
All  power  is  mine  in  earth  and  heaven, 

To  give  eternal  bliss. 

My  witness  ye  do  not  receive, 

Yet  is  my  witness  true  ; 
And  many  more,  if  ye  believe, 

Bear  witness  of  me  too. 

John  was  a  burning  shining  light, 

In  him  ye  did  rejoice ; 
lie  testified  of  me  aright, 

"  He  heard  the  bridegroom's  voice." 

The  iwrks  my  Father  bid  me  do, 
The  same  do  witness  bear ; 

My  Father  also  speaketh  true. 
If  ye  his  voice  will  hear. 

The  scriptures  with  predictions  rife, 

They  testify  of  me ; 
Search  them,  ye  think  Eternal  life 

In  them  ye  all  can  see. 

Yet  unto  me  ye  will  not  come, 
That  life  ye  may  receive ; 

My  doctrines  ye  cannot  assume, 
My  words  ye  can't  believe. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  215 

I  know,  that  you  do  not  possess, 
My  FATHER'S  gracious  love  ; 

His  pure  and  heavenly  righteousness, 
Your  hearts  did  never  move. 

If  I  had  come  in  mine  own  name, 

Then  had  ye  me  received  ; 
But  since  I  do  my  Father's  claim, 

Tis  blasphemous  to  believe ! 

How  then  can  ye  believe  in  me, 

Since  ye  do  seek  to  find 
Those  honours  only  which  ye  see 

Are  pleasing  to  mankind. 

The  honour  that  from  God  descends, 

Deserves  with  you  no  name  ; 
Though  Moses  oft  for  this  contends, 

And  Moses  too  I  claim. 

In  Moses,  if  ye  had  believed, 

Ye  would  believe  in  me ; 
But  since  his  words  are  not  received, 

My  words  can  never  be. 

Lord,  speak  to  us  thy  gracious  word., 

Heal  every  troubled  soul ; 
Save  us  from  bigotry,  O  Lord, 

And  truly  make  us  whole. 


216  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 


THE  WOMAN  OF  SAMARIA. 

To  ancient  Sychar,  see  our  Lord 

With  wearied  steps  repair ; 
Samaria  lay  upon  the  road, 

And  Jacob's  well  was  there. 

Thus  seated  on  the  well  reclined, 

Samaria's  daughter  came; 
He  asked  of  her  a  drink  most  kind, 

When  she  demurred  the  same. 

W.  Why  askest  thou  a  drink  of  me, 

If  I  may  speak  so  bold ; 
Since  Jews  with  us  are  seldom  free, 

An  intercourse  to  hold? 

C  Ah !  woman,  hadst  thou  known  indeed 

The  gift  of  God  supreme ; 
Thou  wouldst  have  asked  of  me  instead, 

A  pure  and  living  stream. 

W.  Greater  art  thou  than  was  our  sire, 

Who  gave  to  us  this  well? 
These  waters  did  his  flock  inspire, 

While  near  them  they  did  dwell. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  217 

C.  Woman,  while  drawing  from  this  well, 

You  drink  yet  thirsty  seem  ; 
But  what  I  give,  in  you  shall  dwell, 

A  pure  and  living  stream. 

A  fountain  which  shall  never  cease, 

And  free  from  every  strife ; 
A  spring  that  ever  shall  increase, 

To  everlasting  life. 

W.  Sir,  give  this  water  unto  me, 

Forever  to  remain  ; 
Then  shall  I  be  from  labour  free, 

And  thirst  no  more  again. 

"Call  now  thy  husband,"  Jesus  said, 

But  she  replied,  "  I  've  none ;" 
"  Five  husbands  truly  thou  hast  had, 

Save  him  thou  hast  alone." 

W.  Thou  art  a  prophet  I  perceive, 

Our  Fathers  worshipped  here  ,* 
Ye  at  Jerusalem  believe, 

That  God  is  worshipped  there. 

C.  Woman,  believe  the  hour  draws  near, 
When  neither  shall  be  claimed ; 

True  worshippers  shall  all  appear, 
By  heavenly  power  inflamed. 


218  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

In  spirit  and  in  truth  alone, 
In  worship  they  shall  bow; 

To  such  the  Father  on  the  throne 
Shall  his  salvation  show. 

God  is  a  spirit,  and  doth  claim. 

In  all  who  bow  the  knee, 
The  spirit's  full  inspiring  flame, 

His  worshippers  to  be. 

Messiah  comes!  and  now  confessed, 
'Tis  I  that  speaks  am  He  ! — 

Samaria's  daughter,  thou  art  blest 
If  thou  believe  in  me. 

She  did  believe,  and  spread  abroad 
Her  Saviour's  wond'rous  name  ; 

And  all  Samaria  heard  his  word, 
His  praises  did  proclaim. 

Lift  up  your  eyes,  look  on  the  field, 

The  harvest  time  is  near ; 
Reapers,  your  sickles  round  you  wield, 

Your  sheaves  for  heaven  prepare. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  219 

THE  DISCIPLES  ON  THE  SEA. 

Once  on  a  time  Christ's  little  band, 
To  escape  from  ruder  company, 

Resolved  to  leave  the  solid  land, 
And  brave  the  dangers  of  the  sea. 

The  evening  came  and  it  grew  dark, 
And  Jesus  was  not  with  them  there  ; 

The  wind  blew  hard  upon  their  bark, 
The  sea  tumultuous  did  appear. 

Now  hard  they  row,  and  careful  steer, 
While  still  the  howling  tempests  rave; 

When  lo !  they  see  approaching  near, 
The  Saviour  walking  on  the  wave ! 

Peter  then  cried,  bid  me,  O  Lord, 
On  the  rude  billows  walk  with  thee  ; 

He  bad  him  come,  and  at  his  word 
Assayed  to  walk  the  dangerous  sea. 

But  soon  his  trembling  faith  gave  out, 
And  he  fell  sinking  in  the  main  ; 

His  Saviour  said,  "  Why  dost  thou  doubt  ? 
I  will  thy  sinking  feet  sustain." 

Then  he  with  kindness  reached  his  hand, 
And  Peter  walked  upon  the  deep ; 


220  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

The  winds  were  hushed  at  Christ's  command, 
And  the  rude  waves  were  lulled  to  sleep. 

Alas !  how  often  we  essay 
To  venture  the  unruly  wave ; 

And  sink,  unless  the  Lord  display 
His  gracious  readiness  to  save. 


THE  LEGION. 

When  Jesus  once  had  crossed  the  sea 
Which  stretches  near  to  Galilee  ; 
There  met  him,  one,  who  did  presume 
To  make  his  dwelling  in  the  tomb. 
To  tame  him,  some  had  taken  pains, 
And  sometimes  bound  him  fast  in  chains  ; 
His  limbs  by  fetters  they  enthral, 
But  he  asunder  breaks  them  all. 
By  day  and  night,  he  made  his  moans, 
And  often  cut  himself  with  stones; 
Legions  of  demons  did  possess, 
And  fill  his  soul  with  sore  distress. 
But  when  he  saw  the  Saviour  near, 
He  ran  and  worshipped  him  with  fear  ; 
When,  with  a  loud  and  dreadful  cry, 
The  unclean  spirits  thus  reply. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  221 

"  Why  hast  thou  come,  thou  Son  of  God, 
To  trouble  us  in  our  abode  ; 
Jesus,  thou  Son  of  the  Most  High, 
We  do  adjure  thee  pass  us  by. 

My  name  is  Legion,  not  a  few, 
And  what  have  I  with  thee  to  do  ? 
Torment  us  not,  the  power  is  thine, 
Permit  us  go  to  yonder  swine." 

Soon  as  permission  they  obtain, 
They  rush  into  the  swine  amain ; 
Then  ran  the  herd  with  fearful  stride, 
And  headlong  plunged  into  the  tide. 

The  herdsmen  fled,  when  once  they  see 
The  swine  all  weltering  in  the  sea ; 
And  all  the  country  round  conspire, 
To  entreat  the  Saviour  to  retire. 

Save  him  alone  who  was  possest, 

He  sat  well  clothed  and  calm  his  breast : 

Restored  again  to  his  right  mind 

To  follow  Jesus  was  inclined. 

But  Jesus  said,  "  thy  friends  go  see, 
And  tell  what  God  hath  done  for  thee  ; 
Go,  spread  the  joyful  news  abroad, 
The  wonders  done  thee  by  thy  Lord." 


222  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

Though  legions  once  his  soul  possest, 
Now  he  enjoyed  a  sacred  rest ; 
To  him  a  bliss  serene  was  given, 
Only  surpassed  by  that  in  heaven. 

Then  cheerfully  did  he  obey, 
And  as  directed,  went  his  way ; 
And  told  to  wondering  circles  round, 
What  great  deliverance  he  had  found. 


THE  TRANSFIGURATION. 

Our  Lord,  as  history  doth  declare, 
With  Peter,  James,  and  John, 

Did  to  a  mountain's  height  repair, 
And  rested  thereupon. 

At  once  his  garments  glorious  seem, 
Exceeding  white  as  snow ; 

Bright  as  the  Sun's  meridian  beam, 
No  hands  could  make  them  so. 

Then  Moses  and  Elias  came, 
And  in  close  converse  were ; 

Ghrist  stood  transfigured  as  a  flame, 
Translucent  as  the  air. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  223 

Then  answered  Peter,  "  Master,  Lord, 

'Tis  good  that  we  are  here  ; 
We  will  if  thou  but  give  the  word 

Three  tabernacles  rear. 

One  shall  be  thine,  Elias'  one, 

And  Moses'  one  straightway ;" 
For  fear  had  seized  on  them  alone, 

They  wist  not  what  to  say. 

An  overshadowing  cloud  came  down, 

A  voice  was  also  there ; 
Saying,  "  This  is  my  beloved  Son, 

Him  only  shall  ye  hear." 

Then  looked  they  suddenly  around, 

But  none  could  they  espy ; 
Save  Jesus  with  themselves  are  found, 

The  rest  had  gone  on  high. 

Now  did  the  Lord  their  silence  claim, 

Till  he  should  rise  again ; 
And  they  confiding  in  his  name, 

Faithful  in  this  remain. 

So  from  the  mountain  height  they  came, 

With  questionings  profound ; 
And  multitudes  his  graoe  proclaim, 

Saluting  him  around. 


224  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

A  parent  brought  his  only  son, 
Bound  with  a  demon's  chain ; 

When  Jesus  bid  the  fiend  begone, 
Nor  trouble  him  again. 

The  lame  do  walk,  the  blind  do  see, 
The  dumb  with  songs  appear  ; 

Lepers  change  their  infirmity, 
And  hymns  of  praises  bear. 


THE  WEDDING  SUPPER. 

The  heavenly  kingdom  which  I  sing 
Is  likened  to  a  certain  king, 
Who,  while  he  occupied  a  throne, 
Made  a  great  supper  for  his  son. 

And  sent  his  servants  forth  to  call, 
Those  who  were  bidden,  great  and  small ; 
But  they  perverseness  did  assume, 
And  with  one  voice  refused  to  come. 

Again  he  sent,  and  now  declared, 
■  My  fatlings  I  have  all  prepared ; 
All  things  are  ready,  come  away, 
Attend  my  feast  without  delay." 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  225 

Still  they  refused,  and  each  one  made 
Such  weak  excuses  as  he  had ; 
Some  farms,  some  merchandize  pursue, 
Some  spitefully  the  servants  slew. 

When  the  king  beard,  then  he  was  wroth, 
And  sent  his  vengeful  armies  forth ; 
And  slew  them  all  in  dreadful  ire, 
And  burned  their  cities  down  with  fire. 

Now  called  he  all  his  servants  near, 
And  straightway  round  him  they  appear ; 
Go  ye,  in  ranges  unconfined, 
Bid  all  to  come  that  you  can  find. 

Tell  them  that  all  things  ready  are 

Let  good  and  bad  to  me  repair; 

I  '11  find  a  robe  and  place  for  all, 

Then  bid  them  come  both  great  and  small. 

Thus  when  the  guests  did  all  appear, 
One,  not  in  wedding  dress,  was  there  ; 
And  when  the  king  came  from  the  throne, 
He  stood  as  speechless  as  a  stone. 

"  Friend,"  said  the  king,  "  how  cam'st  thou  here, 
And  not  a  wedding  dress  to  wear  ? 
Condemned  he  stood,  and  not  a  word, 
And  was  excluded  by  the  Lord. 
15 


226  MISCELLANEOUS   PIECES. 

The  Lord  did  each  a  dress  prepare. 
But  he  disdained  that  dress  to  wear; 
Therefore  was  he  refused  a  place, 
And  did  depart  in  deep  disgrace. 

This  marriage  did  the  Lord  provide, 
And  sent  to  call  to  him  a  bride  ; 
Twas  man,  a  poor  and  fallen  race, 
Devoid  of  each  inviting  grace. 

Yet,  doth  he  woo  and  call  again, 
And  constantly  his  suit  maintain ; 
And  all  the  wedding  rites  begin, 
When  we  are  cleansed  from  all  our  sin. 

When  we  have  wholly  served  the  Lord, 
We  shall,  according  to  his  word, 
Enjoy  our  great  home-bringing,  where 
Cherub  and  cherubim  appear. 

The  marriage  supper  shall  be  given, 
Amidst  the  glorified  in  heaven; 
The  bride,  though  she  from  Earth  may  come. 
Shall  shine  with  pure  immortal  bloom. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  227 


THE  PRODIGAL. 

Once  I  enjoyed  a  Father's  care, 

And  feasted  at  his  board : 
Plenty  and  pleasure  mingled  there, 

With  all  that  these  aflord. 

Vainly  I  thought,  I  could  provide, 

Without  a  parent  kind  ; 
I  dreamed  of  wandering  far  and  wide 

According  to  my  mind. 

I  asked  my  father  to  bestow 

My  portion  unto  me ; 
And  his  benevolence  to  show 

Gave  it,  and  set  me  free. 

Then  to  my  home  I  bid  adieu, 
To  distant  climes  did  steer ; 

Ah !  little  then  indeed  I  knew 
What  waited  for  me  there. 

Midst  mirth  and  revellings  profound, 
My  wayward  course  I  run  ; 

And  ere  I  passed  the  giddy  round, 
My  short-lived  means  were  done. 


228  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

I  sought  for  friends,  but  none  appeared, 
Though  poor  I  was  indeed ; 

I  found  what  I  had  often  heard, 
Few  friends  in  time  of  need. 

I  looked  for  help,  but  none  essayed 

To  furnish  this  to  me  ; 
At  length  I  was  a  swine-herd  made, 

So  great  my  poverty. 

Hungry,  I  fain  the  husks  had  eat, 
Which  to  the  swine  were  free  ; 

Alas !  I  thought,  what  bounties  sweet 
My  Father's  servants  see. 

O,  that  I  could  some  portion  share, 

Those  servants  do  obtain ; 
And  in  my  father's  home  appear, 

I  'd  ne'er  depart  again. 

I  will  arise  forthwith,  and  go 

My  father's  house  to  see  ; 
I  will  confess  my  weight  of  woe, 

My  wants  and  misery. 

I  '11  tell  my  father  what  I  've  done, 

And  beg  him  to  forgive ; 
Unworthy  now  to  be  his  son, 

I  will  his  servant  live. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  229 

Straightway  he  rose,  and  homeward  came, 

And  as  he  now  drew  near, 
Clothed  with  deep  poverty  and  shame, 

His  Father  did  appear. 

Far  in  the  distance  he  espied 

The  long-departed  one  ; 
He  ran,  embraced  him,  and  cried 

"  This  is  my  once-lost  son." 

The  son  prepared  his  woe  to  tell. 

But  mark  a  parent's  love  ; 
Upon  his  neck  the  father  fell, 

He  felt  his  pity  move. 

With  floods  of  kind  parental  tears 

His  breast  he  did  bedew ; 
He  put  to  silence  all  his  fears, 

And  clothed  him  anew. 

"  Bring  forth  of  robes,"  he  said,  "  the  best, 

A  ring  place  on  his  hand ; 
And  let  the  fatted  calf  be  drest" 

'Twas  done  at  his  command. 

"  For  this  my  son,  whom  I  thought  lost, 

Doth  safe  and  sound  remain ; 
I  thought  him  dead ;  but  now  can  boast, 

The  dead 's  alive  again. 


230  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

Let  all  be  cheerful,  all  be  gay, 

My  son  returns  to  me." 
The  son  was  welcomed  home  that  day, 

With  great  festivity. 

So  each  returning  sinner  shall 

A  joyful  Father  greet  ; 
His  mercies  kindly  move  to  all 

Who  do  the  Father  meet 

Yea,  there  is  joy  in  heaven  our  home, 

Midst  the  angelic  choir; 
Whene'er  returning  sinners  come, 

And  heavenward  do  aspire. 

Let  millions  now  return,  O  Lord, 

Though  prodigal  to  thee ; 
Assure  them  kindly  by  thy  word, 

That  welcome  they  shall  be. 


RESURRECTION  OF  LAZARUS. 

It  was  in  ancient  Bethany, 

That  Lazarus  did  reside  ; 
And  with  a  dire  infirmity 

He  sickened  and  he  died. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  231 

Now  Lazarus,  Jesus  loved  most  dear, 

He  loved  his  sisters  twain  ; 
They  therefore  sent,  that  he  might  hear 

The  griefs  they  now  sustain. 

But  when  his  illness  Jesus  knew, 

And  how  he  slept  in  death : 
He  said,  "  'Tis  for  God's  glory  true 

That  he  resigned  his  breath. 

The  son  of  God  shall  now  thereby 

Himself  be  glorified ; 
And  I  am  glad  I  was  not  nigh, 

When  our  friend  Lazarus  died. 

Lazarus  doth  sleep,  but  I  will  go 

And  wake  him  from  his  sleep ; 
My  power  to  raise  the  dead  will  show, 

While  friends  around  may  weep." 

Now  Martha  rose  when  he  drew  near. 

And  unto  him  applied  ; 
"  Hadst  thou,"  she  said,  "  my  Lord,  been  here, 

My  brother  had  not  died." 

But  Jesus  said,  "  He  '11  rise  again, 

If  this  thou  canst  believe ; 
He  shall  not  in  the  grave  remain, 

His  dust  I  will  relieve." 


232  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

The  resurrection  and  the  life, 

I  am,  and  will  maintain  ; 
Though  he  were  dead,  beyond  all  strife, 

Yet,  he  shall  rise  again. 

And  whoso  lives  beneath  the  sky, 

If  he  believe  in  me, 
From  henceforth  he  shall  never  die, 

But  live  eternally." 

Now  Lazarus  had  for  some  time  lay, 

Sequestered  in  the  tomb, 
And  his  remains  might  now  decay 

And  putrified  become. 

But  Jesus  said,  "  If  ye  believe, 

God's  glory  ye  shall  see ; 
I  will  the  slumbering  dead  relieve, 

And  set  the  grave-bound  free- 
Move  ye  the  stone  which  o'er  him  lies, 

And  let  his  grave  appear  f 
Then  up  to  heaven  he  lift  his  eyes, 

And  said,  "  My  Father,  hear." 

And  with  a  loud  commanding  word, 
Called  Lazarus  from  the  ground ; 

The  dead,  obedient  to  his  Lord, 
Came  forth  in  grave-clothes  bound. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  233 

"  Loose  him,"  said  Jesus,  "  let  him  go," 

And  Lazarus  was  relieved ; 
And  all  in  Bethany  did  know 

And  many  souls  believed. 

Now  six  days  after  this  transpired 

A  supper  was  in  view ; 
Jesus  and  Lazarus  were  required, 

And  Lazarus'  sisters  too. 

And  Mary,  grateful  to  her  Lord, 

Was  by  affection  led  ; 
With  ointment  costly  and  well  stored, 

To  anoint  her  Saviour's  head. 

She  also  bathed  his  feet  with  tears, 
And  wiped  them  with  her  hair ; 

While  odours  sweet,  as  it  appears, 
The  house  and  guests  did  share. 

But  Judas,  that  perfidious  one, 

Did  bold  exceptions  take  ; 
And  e'en  upon  the  Lord  alone, 

Reflections  strong  did  make. 

"  Why,"  said  the  churl,  "  do  you  not  save, 

And  give  this  to  the  poor  ?" 
Not  that  himself  designed  or  gave 

An  atom  to  their  store. 


234  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

But  Christ  replied,  let  her  alone. 
The  poor  ye  always  have ; 

Against  my  burial  this  is  done, 
To  fit  me  for  the  grave. 

Mary,  and  all  who  do  believe, 
To  them  shall  crowns  be  given ; 

And  rising  millions  shall  receive 
Immortal  life  in  heaven. 


THE  TEN  VIRGINS. 

Then  shall  the  kingdom  likened  be, 
To  Virgins  ten  in  company ; 
Who  took  their  lamps  and  went  to  meet 
The  Bridegroom,  and  his  guests  to  greet. 

Five  only  were  esteemed  as  wise 
Who  took  of  oil  their  full  supplies ; 
And  trimmed  their  lamps,  and  waited  there 
Until  the  Bridegroom  should  appear. 

But  five  were  foolish,  nor  did  try 
To  keep  of  oil  a  due  supply ; 
And  while  in  nightly  slumber  laid, 
Behold  the  midnight  cry  was  made — 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  235 

"  The  bridegroom  comes !  prepare ! 

Go  forth,  and  meet  his  presence  near  ; 

Then  each  arose  without  delay, 

And  trimmed  their  lamps  and  went  their  way. 

The  foolish  now,  to  their  dismay, 
Found  their  light  wholly  gone  away, 
Then  to  the  wise  they  do  repair, 
To  beg  of  them  their  oil  to  spare. 

But  they  refused  the  wished  supply, 
And  bid  them  straightway  go  and  buy ; 
Lest  there  be  not  enough  indeed, 
To  answer  both  in  times  of  need. 

And  while  they  went  the  bridegroom  came, 
And  those  prepared  an  entrance  claim, 
The  marriage  feast  was  now  supplied, 
The  doors  were  shut  on  all  beside. 


THE  SERVANTS. 

The  kingdom  also  is  compared, 
To  one  whose  household  was  prepared ; 
Who  gave  his  servants  strict  command, 
While  he  explored  some  distant  land. 


236  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

He  bid  them  each  his  part  maintain, 
Till  he  to  them  returned  again ; 
To  one  he  did  five  Talents  give, 
The  others  two,  and  one,  receive 

Each  one  required  to  act  most  free, 
As  each  possessed  ability ; 
And  wait  for  the  returning  Lord, 
And  then  surrender  at  his  word. 

He  that  had  five,  improved  his  store, 
Till  he  had  gained  himself  five  more ; 
He  that  had  two,  with  industry, 
Two  more  he  in  advance  did  see. 

But  he  who  was  with  one  supplied, 
Proceeded  straight  his  gift  to  hide  ; 
And  thus  he  kept  the  prize  of  worth, 
Hid  in  a  napkin  in  the  earth. 

At  length  the  master's  voice  they  hear, 
And  each  a  reckoning  now  prepare ; 
Those  who  were  faithful  to  their  Lord, 
Gain  recompense  of  great  reward. 

To  each  is  commendation  given — 
And  crowns  and  glorious  seats  in  heaven ; 
From  toil  and  service  now  set  free, 
And  blest  with  immortality. 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  237 

The  servant  who  received  but  one, 
His  sad  delinquency  doth  own ; 
Yet  added,  "  thou  art  hard  I  know, 
And  reapest  where  thou  didst  not  sow. 

Take  what  is  thine,  I  kept  it  sound, 
Hid  in  a  napkin  in  the  ground  ; 
Lo !  1  return  thy  gift  to  thee, 
It  has  not  been  of  use  to  me." 

Then  did  the  Lord  proceed  to  say, 
This  wicked  servant  take  away ; 
My  bounty  thou  didst  not  negard, 
Darkness  shall  now  be  thy  reward. 

This  subject  which  I  now  declare, 
This  one  strong  feature  seems  to  bear ; 
Some  ready  are,  at  every  call, 
Others  are  never  so  at  all. 


SOLILOQUY  TO  THE  SOUL. 

O,  thou  ethereal  heavenly  flame, 
Why  cling  to  this  poor  mortal  frame  ? 
Why  trembling,  lingering,  fainting  lie, 
So  blest  and  loved  by  the  Most  High  ? 


238  MISCELLANEOUS   PIECES. 

Why  to  so  mean  a  spot  incline, 
When  heaven  and  all  its  bliss  is  thine  ? 

Courage,  my  soul,  thy  friends  are  near, 
The  heavenly  ministering  hosts  appear, 
Sent  by  an  order  from  the  throne, 
To  bring  thee  near  the  Eternal  One ; 
Where  pleasures  reign  without  alloy, 
And  pure  imperishable  joy. 

Thou  vital,  trembling,  flickering  flame, 
Why  cling  so  long  to  this  poor  frame  ? 
'Tis  but  a  gross  and  earthly  clod, 
That  intercepts  thy  way  to  God  ! 
Plume  all  thy  strength,  make  no  delay, 
Arise,  and  wing  thy  flight  away. 

Thou  heavenly  flame !  Ethereal  fire ! 
From  time  and  all  its  scenes  retire ; 
Leave  now  this  house  of  mouldering  clay, 
For  mansions  of  unsullied  day  ; 
There,  with  those  kindred  spirits,  found 
From  every  sphere  in  space  around. 

And,  mingling  with  the  heavenly  choir, 
Tune  thy  glad  harp,  and  strike  thy  lyre ; 
Exalted  on  those  heights,  to  see 
God's  empire  of  immensity ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  239 

In  heaven's  vast  sphere  where'er  we  move, 
Our  worship  praise,  enjoyment,  love. 

This  we  in  part  enjoy  below, 
Praises  we  sing,  and  love  we  know ; 
On  earth,  in  heaven,  and  near  the  throne, 
The  kingdoms  are  indeed  but  one ; 
Here  is  the  stream  of  praise  and  love, 
The  ocean  we  shall  find  above. 


EARTHLY  BLISS  NOT  COMPARED  TO 
HEAVEN. 

O  the  immensity  of  bliss, 

My  soul  shall  then  enjoy; 
When  God  is  mine  and  I  am  his, 

And  praise  my  full  employ. 

For  this  I  gladly  bear  the  cross, 

The  ills  of  life  sustain  ; 
And  cheerfully  count  all  things  loss, 

The  heaven  of  heavens  to  gain. 

My  great  Redeemer  to  behold, 

Incarnate  Holy  One  ; 
The  city  with  its  streets  of  gold, 

And  tho  Eternal  throne. 


240  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

How  poor  all  earthly  things  appear, 

Compared  with  those  to  come  ; 
What  pure  undying  pleasure  there, 

In  everlasting  bloom. 
Language  can  ne'er  describe  the  change, 

To  all  the  ransomed  given ; 
Nor  can  the  imagination  range 

The  vast  extent  of  heaven. 
Pleasures  succeeding  pleasures  there, 

Each  other  shall  excel ; 
And  bliss  like  bounding  waves  appear, 

Eternally  to  swell. 


ON  DEATH. 

Lingering  I  stay  these  shores  along, 
Scarce  knowing  where  I  most  belong ; 
Whether  I  have  a  better  right 
To  earth  or  to  the  realms  of  light. 
For  sometimes  heaven  so  near  is  seen, 
A  curtain  only  hangs  between  ; 
And  should  the  Master  tell  me  so, 
I  would  prepare  his  will  to  do. 
And  go,  whene'er  the  word  is  given, 
To  mingle  with  the  hosts  of  heaven  ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES.  241 

I  hear  a  gentle  whispering  say, 
This  earth  is  not  my  place  of  stay  ; 
'Tis  not  my  permanent  abode, 
My  home  Eternal  is  with  God ; 
My  body  with  disease  is  rife, 
My  spirit  longs  for  endless  life. 
The  flesh  in  dust  shall  mouldering  rest, 
My  soul  aspires  to  Jesus'  breast ; 
The  conflict  is  indeed  severe, 
Each  ligament  of  life  to  tear. 
'Tis  life  to  part,  and  life  to  gain, 
And  bliss  preserved,  midst  grief  and  pain ; 
The  sense  to  lose,  and  yet  to  keep, 
The  soul  to  live,  the  flesh  to  sleep  ; 
Both  life  and  death  at  once  sustain, 
Have  bliss  immense,  immense  of  pain  ,• 
To  die,  and  death's  full  scene  imbibe, 
What  tongue,  what  language  can  describe  ? 
The  gloomy  vale,  what  else  can  cheer, 
Save  Jesus'  constant  presence  there. 
His  love  with  warm  and  heavenly  glow, 
Can  charm  the  Cypress  valley  through ; 
Illume  the  path  to  that  abode, 
The  glory  and  the  throne  of  God. 
O  grant  me  this,  I  ask  no  more, 
Then  pass  me  death's  dark  billows  o'er. 
16 


242  MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES. 

SPIRITUAL  VISITATIONS. 

How  happy  are  the  showers  of  grace. 

The  effusions  all  divine  ; 
How  blest  indeed  that  hallow'd  place 

Where  heaven's  pure  glories  shine 
Those  visitations  full  of  love, 

What  can  the  bliss  excel  ? 
The  Lord  who  rules  the  worlds  above, 

Comes  down  with  us  to  dwell ! 
How  rich,  how  hallowed  is  the  flame, 

The  Spirit's  heavenly  fire  ! 
The  unction  given  in  Jesus'  name 

Our  bosoms  to  inspire. 

O  how  I  love  to  sit  beneath 

Those  showers  so  freely  given, 
And  calmly  «view  the  approach  of  death, 

A  beacon-light  from  heaven. 
A  signal  given  to  drop  our  clay, 

That  life's  dull  scenes  are  o'er; 
And  wing  our  joyful  flight  away. 

Where  years  wax  old  no  more. 
Clothed  in  habiliments  of  light, 

All  glorious  and  divine ; 
Above  all  luminaries  bright, 

Or  orbs  or  spheres  that  shine 


BIBLE  CHRISTIANITY. 


1.  Taking  the  Scriptures  as  our  rule,  he  that 
"  loves  the  Lord  with  all  his  heart,  mind,  and  soul, 
and  strength,  and  his  neighbour  as  himself,  is  a 
bible  Christian. 

2.  But  this  no  unregenerate  man  can  do.  "  As 
it  is  written,  there  is  none  righteous,  no  not  one." 
"  There  is  none  that  understandeth,  there  is  none 
that  seeketh  after  God."  "  They  are  all  gone  out 
of  the  way."  "  They  are  altogether  become 
unprofitable."  "  There  is  none  that  doeth  good, 
no  not  one."  "  Their  throat  is  an  open  sepul- 
chre, with  their  tongues  they  have  used  deceit; 
the  poison  of  asps  is  under  their  lips:  whose 
mouth  is  full  of  cursing  and  bitterness ;  their 
feet  are  swift  to  shed  blood;  destruction  and 
misery  are  in  their  ways,  and  the  way  of  peace 
they  have  not  known :  there  is  no  fear  of  God 
before  their  eyes."  "  For  all  have  sinned,  and 
have  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God  :  because 
the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God,  for  it  is 
not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed 
can  be. 

243 


244  BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY. 

3.  And  this  is  the  true  character  of  mail  in 
eoery  portion  of  the  world.  "God  hath  con- 
cluded all  men  in  unbelief."  "  The  Scripture 
hath  concluded  all  men  in  sin."  "  Whereas  by 
one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death 
by  sin,  and  so  death  hath  passed  upon  all  men, 
for  that  all  have  sinned."  And  the  whole  world 
lieth  in  wickedness. 

4.  But  is  the  world  left  under  these  circum- 
stances, without  any  possibility  of  help  ?  No : 
"For  when  we  were  yet  without  strength  in  due 
time,  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly."  "  For  God 
so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begot- 
ten Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  on  him  should 
not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life."  "  For  God 
sent  not  his  Son  into  the  world  to  condemn  the 
world,  but  that  the  world  through  him  might  be 
saved."  "  But  God  commended  his  love  to  us 
in  that  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died 
for  us."  "God  was  in  Christ  reconciling  the 
world  unto  himself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses. 
And  he  died  for  all,  that  they  which  live,  should 
not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves,  but  unto 
him  which  died  for  them  and  rose  again."  "  For 
there  is  one  God,  and  one  Mediator  between  God 
and  man :  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  who  gave  him- 
self a  ransom  for  all."  "  This  is  a  faithful  say- 
ing, and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ 


BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY.  245 

Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  of 
whom  I  am  chief."  "  For  the  grace  of  God  that 
bringeth  salvation,  hath  appeared  unto  all  men." 
"  But  we  see  Jesus,  who  was  made  a  little  lower 
than  the  angels  for  the  suffering  of  death,  crown- 
ed with  glory  and  honour ;  that  he  by  the  grace 
of  God  might  taste  death  for  evert/  ?nan."  "  Not 
willing  that  any  should  perish,  but  that  all 
should  come  to  repentance."  "  And  he  is  the 
propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  not  for  ours  only, 
but  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world."  But  in 
connexion  with  this  ample  provision  and  in  re- 
lation to  the  whole  world,  are  there  personal  bene- 
fits embracing  the  pardon  of  our  sins  ? 

5.  There  are.  The  Scriptures  furnish  abun- 
dant testimony  to  assure  every  man  of  his  per- 
sonal benefit  in  the  pardon  of  sin.  "  That  ye 
may  know  that  the  Son  of  man  hath  power  on 
earth  to  forgive  sins."  "  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
all  sins  shall  be  forgiven  unto  the  sons  of  men, 
and  blasphemies  wherewith  soever  they  shall 
blaspheme,  (except  against  the  Holy  Ghost.") 
"  That  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  should 
be  preached  in  his  name  among  all  nations." 
"  Repent  and  be  baptized,  &c.  for  the  remission 
of  sins."  "That  your  sins  may  be  blotted  out." 
"  In  turning  every  one  of  you  from  his  iniquities." 
"  Him  hath  God  exalted  to  be  a  prince  and  a 


246  BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY. 

Saviour,  to  give  repentance  to  Israel,  and  the 
forgiveness  of  sins."  "To  him  gave  all  the  pro- 
phets witness,  that  through  his  name,  whosoever 
believeth,  shall  receive  the  remission  of  sins." 
"  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation 
through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  right- 
eousness for  the  remission  of  sins."  "  Through 
this  man  is  preached  the  forgiveness  of  sins." 
**.  To  turn  them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from 
the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may 
receive  the  forgiveness  of  sins."  "  Tn  whom  we 
have  redemption  in  his  blood,  the  forgiveness 
of  sins."  "  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  cleanse  us 
from  all  unrighteousness."  "  Blessed  are  they 
whose  si?is  are  covered."  "  Being  now  made 
free  from  sin."  Such  is  the  voice  of  Scripture 
in  reference  to  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins,  and 
our  personal  right  and  privilege  to  this  blessing; 
and  when  we  associate  other  passages,  equally 
plain,  the  doctrine  of  the  pardon  of  sins  is  placed 
beyond  question. 

6.  But  further;  when  the  Almighty  is  pleased 
to  confer  the  blessing  of  forgiveness  of  sins,  do 
the  persons  receiving  the  blessing  possess  any 
knowledge  or  understanding  of  it?  Common 
sense  would  dictate  the  affirmative  :  and  indeed 
this  very  subject  is  made  exceedingly  plain  in 


BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY.  247 

the  Scriptures.  Jesus  said  to  Nicodemus,  "  Art 
thou  a  master  in  Israel,  and  knoweth  not  these 
things?"  "  We  speak  that  we  know."  "  If  any 
man  shall  do  his  will,  he  shall  know  of  the  doc- 
trine." "  One  thing  1  Itnow,  that  whereas  I  was 
blind,  now  I  see."  "  At.  that  day  ye  shall  know 
that  I  am  in  my  Father,  and  ye  in  me,  and  I  in 
you."  "  For  the  Spirit  beareth  witness  with  our 
spirits,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God."  "  Now 
we  have  received  the  spirit  which  is  of  God, 
that  we  might  know  the  things  which  are  freely 
given  to  us  of  God."  "  Know  ye  not  that  ye  are 
the  temples  of  God,  and  that  the  Spirit  of  God 
dwelleth  in  you?"  "  For  God  hath  shined  into 
our  hearts,  to  give  us  the  light  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ." 
"  Know  ye  not  your  own  selves  how  that  Christ 
is  in  you  ?"  "  That  ye  may  know  what  is  the 
hope  of  your  calling."  "  I  count  all  things  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus  my  Lord."  "That  I  may  know  him." 
"  For  our  gospel  came  not  unto  you  in  word  only, 
but  in  power,  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  much 
assurance."  "  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we 
know  him."  "  But  whoso  keepeth  his  word,  in 
him  verily  is  the  love  of  God  perfected  ;  hereby 
we  know  that  we  are  in  him."  "  I  write  unto 
you,  Fathers,  because  ye  have  known  him  from 


248  BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY. 

the  beginning."  "  I  write  unto  you,  little  chil- 
dren, because  ye  have  known  the  Father."  "  But 
ye  have  an  Unction  from  the  Holy  One,  and  ye 
know  all  things."  "  I  have  not  written  unto  you 
because  ye  know  not  the  truth,  but  because  ye 
know  it."  "  But  we  know  that  when  he  shall 
appear,  we  shall  be  like  him."  *  And  ye  knoio 
that  he  was  manifested  to  take  away  our  gins." 
"  We  know  that  we  have  passed  from  death  unto 
life,  because  we  love  the  brethren."  "And 
hereby  we  know  that  we  are  of  the  truth,  and 
shall  assure  our  hearts  before  him."  "  And 
hereby  we  know  that  he  abideth  in  us,  by  the 
Spirit  which  he  hath  given  us."  "  Hereby  know 
ye  the  Spirit  of  God."  "And  every  one  that 
loveth,  is  born  of  God."  "  And  he  that  loveth 
not,  knoweth  not  God,  for  God  is  love."  ■  Here- 
by know  we  that  we  dwell  in  him,  and  he  in  us, 
because  he  hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit."  "  And 
we  have  known  and  believed  the  love  God  hath 
to  us."  "  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  of  God, 
hath  the  witness  within  himself."  "That  ye 
may  know  that  ye  have  eternal  life."  "  And  this 
is  the  confidence  we  have  in  him,  that  if  we  ask 
any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  'lis ; 
and  if  we  know  that  he  heareth  us,  whatever 
we  ask,  we  know  that  we  have  the  petition  we 
desire  of  him."     "  We  know  that  whosoever  is 


BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY".  249 

bom  of  God,  sinneth  not."  "  And  we  know  that 
we  are  of  God,  and  the  whole  world  lieth  in 
wickedness."  "  And  we  know  that  the  Son  of 
God  is  come,  and  hath  given  to  us  an  understand- 
ing, that  we  may  know  him  that  is  true  even  in 
his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the  true  God  and 
Eternal  life" 

By  the  foregoing  passages  of  Scripture,  it  is 
easy  enough  to  perceive  that  the  whole  of  the 
Christian  religion  is  a  subject  of  knowledge  and 
understanding.  That  great  means  are  used  by 
the  Spirit  of  God,  to  effect  in  the  rational  soul 
of  man  the  knowledge  of  true  religion,  and  the 
knowledge  of  God. 

7.  May  this  knowledge  be  acquired  immediately 
or  gradually  ? 

Perhaps  in  both  ways.  The  Almighty  is 
pleased  greatly  to  diversify  his  manner  of  be- 
stowing his  blessings  upon  mankind.  The  man 
at  the  pool  had  been  infirm  thirty  and  eight  years, 
but  when  the  Saviour  healed  him,  he  did  it  at 
once.  "  Another  man,  sick  of  the  palsy,  our 
Lord  healed  in  like  manner."  Again.  "And, 
when  they  had  nothing  to  pay,  he  frankly  fbr- 
gave  them  both."  Jesus  said  unto  the  blind  man, 
«•  Receive  thy  sight,"  and  immediately  he  re- 
ceived sight.    "  He  said  also  to  Zacheus,  Make 


250  BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY. 

haste  and  come  down  ;  and  he  made  haste  and 
came  down." 

It  may,  however,  be  remarked,  that  these  ob- 
servations apply  chiefly  to  the  bodies  of  men, 
and  we  will  therefore  consider  the  Divine  ope- 
rations as  affecting  the  mind  more  especially. 
"On  the  day  of  pentecost,  when  the  disciples 
were  with  one  accord  in  one  place,  suddenly 
there  was  a  sound  from  heaven,  and  it  filled  all 
the  house.  And  the  same  day  were  added  to  the 
church  three  thousand.  The  Eunuch  believed,  was 
baptized  and  rejoiced,  in  a  short  space  of  time." 
"  Cornelius  and  his  companions,  while  Peter  yet 
preached,  the  Holy  Ghost  fell  on  all  of  them. 
Saul,  on  his  way  to  Damascus,  said,  "  suddenly 
there  shined  round  him  a  light,  from  heaven." 
u  Though  Saul  continued  three  days  in  the  pangs 
of  the  new  birth,  yet  when  the  blessing  was 
given,  immediately  there  fell  from  his  eyes  as  it 
had  been  scales."  "  The  Jailer  at  Philippi  was 
convicted,  converted,  and  baptized,  the  same  hour 
of  the  night."  "Paid,  addressing  El ymas,  im- 
mediately there  fell  upon  him  a  mist  and  dark- 
ness." "  And  when  Paul  laid  his  hands  upon 
them  at  Ephesus,  the  Holy  Ghost  came  upon 
them." 

From  these  passages  it  most  evidently  appears 
that  God  gave  the  hnowledge  of  himself  imme- 


BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY.  251 

diately,  both  in  relation  to  mind  and  body,  and 
had  it  been  otherwise,  there  would  have  been 
less  evidence  of  Divine  authority. 

The  Spirit  of  God  is  sometimes  compared  to 
fire,  and  few  things  are  more  rapid  in  their  mo- 
tion. The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  the  light' 
nivg  which  shineth  in  the  heavens. 

It  is  true,  that  many  have  for  a  long  time 
sought  the  Lord's  blessings,  and  found  not ;  but 
this  was  on  account  of  unbelief,  false  reasoning, 
temptations,  bad  education,  or  improper  informa- 
tion. But  when  these  are  removed,  and  the 
object  is  simply  and  plainly  set  before  the  mind, 
an  act  of  faith  changes  the  scene  in  a  moment, 
and  instantly  we  are  blest  God  said,  "  Let 
there  be  light,  and  there  was  light." 

8.  Connected,  however,  with  the  acquirement 
of  Divine  knowledge  in  the  manner  we  have 
described,  we  may  also  obtain  a  great  deal  of 
knowledge  under  circumstances  very  different. 
Repealed  communication,  gradual  acquirements. 
We  may  grow  in  grace,  and  knowledge,  and  the 
love,  of  God.  Being  "■fruitful  in  every  good  word 
and  work,"  and  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of 
God.  "  That  your  love  may  abound  more  and 
more  in  all  knowledge."  "  Add  to  your  faith, 
virtue,  knov)ledge,"  &c. 

But  whether  we  receive  the  knowledge  of 


252  BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY. 

divine  things  instantaneously  or  gradually,  we 
are  indebted  to  the  light  and  operations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  in  all  cases.  We  may  have  eyes, 
but  light  must  be  given  as  a  medium  of  sight ; 
and  the  purer  the  stream  of  light,  the  more  dis- 
tinctly we  may  know  the  things  of  God. 

9.  But  is  not  a  true  conviction  necessary  to  a 
proper  reception  of  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad 
in  our  hearts  ? 

The  knowledge  of  ourselves  as  sinners,  the 
knowledge  of  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin. 
The  impurity  of  our  nature,  and  the  purity  of 
the  Divine  nature,  is  a  description  of  knowledge 
indispensable. 

10.  Yet  how  much  conviction  is  needful,  see- 
ing there  is  such  diversity  in  the  subjects  of 
grace  ? 

If  our  conviction  cause  us  to  hate  sin,  and,  like 
Job,  "abhor  ourselves  in  dust  and  ashes,"  whe- 
ther it  be  much  or  little,  and  the  duration  of  it 
long  or  short,  this  is  sufficient.  A  man  must  hate 
sin,  and  whether  he  shed  many  tears,  or  groan 
many  unutterable  groans,  or  neither,  if  he  hate 
his  sins,  his  convictions  are  of  the  proper  kind. 

11.  Is  it  not  necessary  that  in  addition  to 
a  genuine  conviction,  repentance  should  be  a 
prerequisite  ?  Repentance  is  certainly  insepa- 
rable from  conviction:  and  when  conviction  has 


BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY.  253 

caused  us  to  abhor  ourselves  in  dust  and  ashes, 
on  the  account  of  sin,  repentance  succeeds  in  its 
operations,  and  aids  us  in  the  abandonment  of 
those  sins  conviction  has  caused  us  to  hate.  As 
the  Scriptures  affirm,  "  Let  the  wicked  forsake 
his  way,  and  the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts, 
and  return  to  the  Lord." 

Now,  when  we  have  detested  and  forsaken 
our  sins,  then  we  are  prepared  to  an  act  of  faith 
in  Christ  Jesus."  Having  lost  all  other  refuge, 
we  lay  hold  by  faith  upon  the  Lord  Jesus,  plead- 
ing his  mercy,  and  begging,  "  Lord,  save  us." 
The  Lord  also  in  mercy  removes  the  guilt  and 
condemnation,  "  and  we  have  peace  with  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." 

12.  This  is  justification  ;  first  love  to  God  and 
man.  Here  the  purification  of  the  soul  begins  ; 
in  first  love,  and  'faith  works  by  love  and  purifies 
the  heart."  And  sanctification  follows  faith 
working  by  love.  Hence,  the  more  we  love,  the 
more  we  are  graciously  set  apart  to  God.  God  also 
is  set  apart  in  our  hearts.  And  we  thus  are  more 
and  more  sanctified  to  God,  in  proportion  as  we 
love  him.  So  that  from  first  love,  faith  working 
by  it,  is  developed  holiness  of  heart  and  sancti- 
fication of  the  mind,  until,  like  a  stream  falling 
into  the  ocean,  so  our  souls,  filled  with  love, 


254  BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY. 

which  increases  more  and  more,  until  we  are  lost 
in  the  immense  ocean  of  Eternal  love. 

13.  Our  Saviour  has  some  very  excellent  ob- 
servations upon  this  subject.  "The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  likened  unto  a  grain  of  mustard  seed, 
which  a  man  took  and  sowed  in  his  field  ;  and 
which  is  indeed  the  smallest  of  all  seeds ;  but 
when  it  is  grown,  it  is  the  greatest  of  herbs, 
and  becometh  a  tree."  "The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  likened  unto  leaven,  which  a  wo- 
man took  and  hid  in  three  measures  of  meal, 
until  the  whole  was  leavened."  "  And  he  that 
receiveth  seed  into  the  good  ground,  which  also 
beareth  fruit,  and  bringeth  forth  some  thirty, 
sixty,  and  a  hundred  fold." 

John  speaks  of  babes,  young  men,  and  fa/hers, 
thereby  showing  a  fine  gradation  of  grace.  Peter 
says,  "Add  to  your  faith  virtue,  knowledge,  tem- 
perance, patience,  godliness,  brotherly  kindness, 
charity ;  for  if  these  things  be  in  you,  and  abound, 
they  make  you  that  ye  may  be  neither  barren 
nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ."  "  But  groio  in  grace,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus."  "That  your 
love  may  abound  more  and  more."  Then,  ac- 
cording to  this  view,  our  advancement  and  divine 
communications  are  inseparable  from  each  other. 


BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY.  255 

Or,  in  other  words,  the  perpetual  operation  of 
grace,  duly  supplied,  will  be  attended  with  a 
similar  increase  of  holiness  of  heart,  and  life,  if 
rightly  improved.  Hence  faith  grows  stronger, 
hope  more  confirmed,  and  love  abounding  more 
and  more,  until  all  graces  are  matured,  and  the 
whole  soul  approaches  a  resemblance  to  the 
Divine  Being,  "dwelling  in  love,  and  dwelling  in 
God."  "  And  herein  is  our  love  made  perfect, 
that  we  may  have  boldness  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment." "  And  when  he  shall  appear,  we  shall 
be  like  him.  He  that  sanctifieth  and  he  that  is 
sanctified  are^one." 

Therefore,  we  thus  infer  in  regard  to  this 
whole  subject  through  which  we  have  passed : 
that, 

First,  Men  are  by  nature  sinful. 

Secondly,  Christ  died  to  make  our  redemption 
possible. 

Thirdly,  He  offers  a  free  and  full  pardon  for 
our  sins,  upon  the  abandonment  of  them. 

Fourthly,  He  offers  a  knowledge  of  salvation 
by  the  remission  of  our  sins,  upon  simply  believ- 
ing in  his  name. 

Fifthly,  He  offers  holiness  of  heart,  through 
the  influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  upon  our  faith 
working  by  love. 


256  BIBLE    CHRISTIANITY. 

Sixthly,  And  an  earnest  of  the  hope  of  eter- 
nal life,  as  a  prelude  to  glory. 

Seventhly,  And  immortality  as  our  future  and 
glorious  reward. 

Eighthly,  Whosoever  will,  may  come;  the 
whole  is  offered  through  the  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus,  to  all  mankind. 

Ninthly,  And  the  Bible  is  God's  revelation,  to 
give  the  wonderful  intelligence  to  the  world, 
and  show  the  way  to  heaven. 


